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H^ltiBAsri 


,  "ffl;*! 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


A  SA  TIRICAL  POEM. 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


A  SATIRICAL  POEM 


I J^  FOUR  DIALOGUES, 


WITH  NOTES. 


TO   WHICH  ARE  ANNEXED, 

A  VINDICATION  OF  THE  WORK,      >' 

AND 

TRANSLATIONS  OF  ALL  THE  GREEK,  LATIN,  ITALIAN,  AND 
FRENCH  QUOTATIONS. 


Xoyoti  iTTinivirxri. 

Athenagorae  Atheniensts  Legatio   Imperatoribus  Antonino 

et  Commodo. — ad  fin.  Op.  Justin.    Jlam-i*.    Ed.    Paris. 

1636.  pag.  39. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PRINTED  BY  H.  MAXWELL,    FOR  J.  NANCREDE,    BOSTON;    AND 
A.  DICKINS  AND  J.  ORMROD,    PHILADELPHIA. 


1800. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2011  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://www.archive.org/details/pursuitsofliteraOOmatt 


ABVER  TISEMEJSTT 


SEVENTH  EDITION. 


March  30,  1798. 

1  HE  Poem  on  the  Pursuits  of  Literature 
being  out  of  print,  I  have  revised  it  with  great  care. 
I  have  indeed  incurred  some  censure  from  the  very 
attention  wbicb  I  have  repeatedly  given  to  it.  Tet 
I  am  still  of  opinion,  that  no  man  of  candour  and 
reflection  could  wish  to  see  any  mistakes  continued 
without  correction,  or  the  various  parts  of  it  again 
presented  to  the  public,  without  improvements  and 
additions  to  the  poetry  and  notes,  as  circumstances 
arose  to  prompt  or  to  require  them.  This  is  all 
which  I  have  done  from  time  to  time.  Though 
words  are  irrevocable,  yet  the  last  corrections  of  any 
author  should  be  considered  as  the  sense  which  he 


[     vi     ] 

tvisbes  to  express  or  to  enforce.  Impertijience  and 
falsbood  I  have  at  all  times  despised  and  neglected. 
It  will  be  seen  however^  that,  by  omissions  and  alter- 
ations,  I  have  expressed  a  liberal  concern  for  my 
unintentional  mistakes^  with  the  spirit  and  breeding 
of  a  gentleman. 

Additions  made  to  a  history^  or  to  any  professed 
tvork  of  science.,  may  (if  it  be  thought  worth  the 
trouble)  be  printed  separately.  But  in  a  composition 
of  this  nature.,  a  moment's  consideration  will  sug- 
gest to  a?iy  man.,  that  it  is  impracticable. 

The  following.,  or  similar.,  words  are  recorded 
to  have  been  once  delivered  in  Parliament  a  few 
years  before  the  Rebellion  in  1745.  /  shall  apply 
the  spirit  of  them  to  the  enemies  of  the  principles 
of  this  work.,  but  not  to  the  enemies  of  the  work 
itself.  The  words  are  these.  "  The  heat  which 
Jbas  offended  them  is  the  ardour  of  cojivictiott,  and 
that  zeal  for  the  service  of  my  country,  which  neither 
hope  nor  fear  shall  influence  me  to  suppress.  I 
will  not  sit  uncojicerned  when  (public)  liberty  is 
threatened  or  invaded.,  nor  look  in  silence  upon 
(intended)  Public  Robbery.     /  will  exert  my  en* 


C     vii     ] 

deavotirs,  at  whatever  hazard,  to  drag  the  agressors 
to  justice,  whoever  may  protect  them,  and  who- 
ever may  (uhimately)  partake  of  the  (national) 
plunder !" 

It  is  remarkable:  the  Speaker  was  William  Pitt; 
the  Reporter,  Samuel  Johnson.*     No  more. 

*  See  Dr.   Johnson's  Parliamentary  Debates  in  1741'  Vol.  I.  p.  307. 


Am  Ava-pyifticcT  »«£<•  Eyf5);i-4««!;. 


TO  THE  READER. 


I  RECOMMEND  the  following  anecdote 
to  sagacious  persons  who  know  all  authors  (and 
me  among  the  rest)  by  their  style,  or  by  any  other 
certain  or  infallible  sign.  The  anecdote  is  known 
to  those  who  are  accurately  versed  in  literary 
history.  Julius  Scaliger  wrote  and  published  an 
oration,  without  his  name,  against  the  famous 
tract  by  Erasmus,  called  Ciceronianus.  Erasmus, 
having  perused  it,  immediately,  (and  upon  con- 
viction as  he  thought)  fixed  upon  Hieronimus 
Aleander,  who  was  afterwards  made  an  Arch- 
bishop by  Leo  X.  and  a  Cardinal  by  Pope  Paul 
the  Third,  as  the  author  of  the  whole,  or  of  the 
greatest  part  of  it,  by  signs  which  he  conceived  to 


[      10     ] 

be  certain  and  infallible.  These  signs  were  strong 
indeed.  His  phraseology,  his  manner  of  speak- 
ing, his  peculiar  diction,  his  habits  of  life,  and 
even  the  very  intercourse  which  Erasmus  had 
daily  with  him.  Nay,  his  genius  and  disposition 
were  so  evident,  that  Aleander  could  not  be  more 
intimately  known  to  himself,  than  he  was  to  Eras- 
mus. Yet  Erasmus  was  mistaken  entirely. 
His  judgment  and  sagacity  will  not  be  questioned. 
But  hear  his  own  words,  for  on  such  an  occasion 
as  the  present  they  are  particularly  remarkable. 
"  Ex  pbrasi,  ex  ore,  ex  lociitione,  aliisque  complu- 
ribus,  mibi  persuasi  hoc  opus  maxima  saltern  ex 
parte,  esse  Hieronimi  Aleandri.  Nam  mibi  Genius 
illius  ex  domestico  convictu  adeo  cognitus  per  spec- 
tusque  est,  ut  ipse  sibi  non  possit  esse  notior!^^^ 

I  recommend  this  anecdote  to  the  considera- 
tion of  those  persons,  who  from  random  conjec- 
ture, without  any  knowledge,  or  any  proof  what- 
soever,  continue  to  ascribe  the  following  work,  to 
men,  who  are  all  equally  guiltless  of  my  labours, 
and  all  equally  ignorant  of  my  intentions.     But 

*  Erasrni  Epist.  370.  c.  1755.  Op.  Fol.  Ed.  Opt.  l.u  c. 


C      H     ] 

I  believe,  no  gentleman  to  whom  it  either  has 
been,  or  may  hereafter  be,  liberally  or  illiberally 
attributed,  will  so  far  forget  his  character,  as  to 
appropriate  my  composition  to  himself.  "  The 
Town's  inquiring  yet;"  and  will  inquire,  as  I 
think,  for  a  long  time. 

I  am  of  opinion,  that  if  the  Poem  is  read  once 
without  reference  to  the  notes,  the  plan,  connec- 
tion, and  manner  of  it  will  be  perceived.  I  may 
add,  that.  The  First  Dialogue  was ^r^^  published 
in  May  1794,  the  Second  and  Third  in  June  1796, 
and  the  Fourth  in  July  1797. 


AN  INTRODUCTORY  LETTER* 

TO  A 

FRIEND, 

07i  THE  GENERAL  SUBJECT  OF  THE  FOLLOWIKG  POEM 
ON  THE  PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


Ncl  cerchio  accolto, 
Mormoro  potentissime  parole 
Giro  tre  volte  aW  Oriente  il  volto, 
Tre  volte  ai  regni  ove  dechina  il  Sole; 
*'  Onde  tanto  indugiar  ?     forse  attendete 
"  Voci  ancor  piii  potenti,  o  piu  secre  !" 
Tasso,  G.  L.  Cant.  13. 


DEAR  SIR, 

xVS  the  public  have  thought  proper  to  pay  some  attention  to  the 
following  Poem  on  the  Pursuits  of  Literature,  the  parts  of  which  I  have 
presented  to  their  consideration,  and  for  their  use,  at  various  intervals ;  I 
have  now  collected  the  whole  into  one  volume,  after  such  a  revision  and 
correction  as  appeared  to  be  necessary.  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  address 
this  Introduction  to  you.  As  a  mark  of  my  friendship,  I  trust  it  is  deci- 
sive. I  always  thought  with  Junius,  that  a  printed  paper  receives  very 
little  consideration  from  the  most  respectable   signature.     But  I  would 

*  This  Letter  vfdisjirst  prefixed  to  the  Fifth  Edition  of  the  P.  of  L. 
collected  for  the  first  time  into  one  volume  in  December  1797;  and  pub- 
lished in  January  1798. 


C      14      ] 

not  be  understood  to  insinuate,  with  that  great  and  consummate  writer, 
that  mj  name  would  cany  any  weight  with  it.  I  must  own  however, 
that  I  smile  at  the  various  authors  to  whom  my  work  is  ascribed.  Doc- 
tors, Dramatic  Writers,  Royal  Treasurers,  Divines,  Orators,  Lawyers, 
Greek  Professors,  Schoel-masters,  Bath  guides,  and  Physicians,  have  all 
been  named  with  confidence.  Sometimes  the  whole  is  written  by  one 
man,  at  others,  ten  or  perhaps  twenty  are  concerned  in  it.  Criticisms  and 
dissenting  conjectures  on  the  subject  are  alike  the  object  of  my  ineffable 
contempt.  More  sagacity  must  be  exerted  than  the  Ardelios  of  the  day 
are  masters  of,  who  are  so  kind  as  to  think  of  me,  who  most  certainly 
never  think  of  them.  It  is  however  my  resolutioi;,  that  not  one  of  these 
idle  conjectures  shall  ever  be  extended  to  you.  "  Quid  de  me  alii  loquan- 
tur,  ipsi  viDEANT ;  sed  loquentur  tamen."  It  is  a  voice ;  nothing  more. 
Prudence  indeed  suggests  a  caution  which  I  unwillingly  adopt,  and  restrains 
the  eagerness  I  feel  for  the  display  oiyour  virtues  and  of  yoxir  talents.  But 
those  virtues  must  at  present  be  left  to  the  testimony  of  your  own  con- 
science ;  and  your  talents  within  those  limits  of  exertion,  in  which  an  un- 
discerning  spirit  has  too  long  suffered  them  to  be  confined.  The  bird  of 
day  however  always  looks  to  the  sun. 

In  regard  to  writing  in  general,  the  public  expect  neither  thanks  nor 
gratitude  from  an  author  for  their  favourable  reception  of  his  work*  If  it 
is  unworthy  of  their  notice,  it  is  left  to  perish  with  the  poetiy  of  Knight 
or  the  prose  of  Lauderdale.  "  I  cannot  indeed  affect  to  believe,  that 
nature  has  wholly  disqualified  me  for  all  literary  pursuits."  *  Yet  I  would 
not  trouble  the  public,  or  myself,  with  this  new  edition  of  my  Poem,  if  I 
did  not  think  it  agreeable  to  their  wishes.  I  am  satisfied  with  the  attention 
which  has  been  given  to  it.  And  when  I  have  commanded  a  silence  within 
my  own  breast,  I  think  a  still  small  voice  may  whisper  those  gratulatlons, 
from  which  an  honest  man  may  best  derive  comfort  from  the  past,  and 
motives  for  future  action. 

The  wayward  nature  of  the  time,  and  the  paramount  necessity  of  secur- 
ing to  this  kingdom  her  political  and  religious  existence,  and  the  rights  of 
society,  hare  urged  and  stimulated  me,  as  you  well  know,  to  offer  this  en- 
deavour to  preserve  them,  by  a  solemn,  laborious,  and  disinterested  appeal 

*  The  words  of  Mr.  Gibbon.     Posthumous  Works,  4.  to  vol.  I. 


C      15     ] 

to  my  countrymen.  It  it  designed  to  conduct  them  through  the  labyrinth* 
ot"  literature ;  to  convince  them  of  the  manner  in  which  the  understanding 
and  affections  are  either  bewildered,  darkened,  enervated,  or  degraded; 
and  to  point  out  the  fatal  paths  which  would  lead  us  all  either  to  final  de- 
$truction,  or  to  complicated  misery. 

I  am  not  yet  so  old  as  to  say,  with  the  desponding  bard,  "  Vita  est  avidus^ 
quisquisnon  vult, 'M.vubo  secum  pereunte,  mori."  Yet  I  see,  with  sorrow 
and  fear,  the  political  constitutions  of  Europe  falling  around  us,  or  crum- 
bling into  dust,  under  the  tyrannical  Republic  of  France.  She  commenced 
with  an  imperious  injunction  to  the  surrounding  nations  not  to  interpose 
in  her  domestic  government,  while  at  the  very  same  moment,  she  herself 
was  interfering  and  disturbing  them  all.  She  has  indeed  terminated  in 
the  change  or  overthrow  of  each  of  them,  but  of  this  kingdom. 

Frenchmen  were  always  brutal,  when  unrestrained.  With  their  own 
domestic  misery  and  wickedness  they  never  were  satisfied.  In  these  latter 
days,  they  have  been  neighing  after  the  constitutions  of  their  neighbours 
in  their  lawless  lustihood.  They  first  deflower  the  purity  of  the  struggling 
or  half-consenting  victims,  and  then  with  their  ruffian  daggers  they  stifle 
at  once  the  voice  and  the  remembrance  of  the  pollution.  Such  are  their 
abominations.  Such  are  their  orgies  of  blood  and  lust.  And  when  their 
cruelty  is  at  last  wearied  out  and  exhausted,  and  demands  a  pause,  they 
call  it  clemency.  France  had  been  long  looking  for  that,  which  her  philo- 
sophers had  taught  her  to  term  the  parallelism  of  the  sword.  She 
has  indeed  found  it.  That  sword  has  indeed  swept  down  not  only  eveiy 
royal  crest,  but  every  head  which  raised  itself  above  the  plain  of  their 
equality.  Such  is  their  quaint  and  ferocious  language.  And  now,  when 
Englishmen  are  to  be  warned  against  the  introduction  of  the  horrid  system, 
no  appeal  is  to  be  made  to  the  common  feelings  and  passions  of  our  nature, 
(this,  it  seems,  is  declamation;)  no  scenes  of  terror,  and  cruelty,  and  deso- 
lation are  to  be  laid  before  them,  but  dry  reasoning  and  mathematical  cal- 
culations  of  the  quantum  of  misery,  plunder,  and  blood,  necessar}'  for  the 
production  and  establishment  in  England  of  this  blessed  revolutionary  go- 
vernment. But  we  will  not  be  insulted  and  fooled  out  of  our  existence, 
or  of  our  understanding.  "  Our  sentence  is  for  open  war,"  till  we  can  be 
safe.  England  is  still  prepared,  and  alert,  and  vigorous,  and  opulent,  and 
generous,  and  bold,  and  undismayed.     She  has  not  cast  away  her  confi. 


C      16      ] 

dcnce.  Among  the  bands  and  associated  energies  of  England,  I  also,  in 
my  degree  and  very  limited  capacity,  will  struggle  for  the  principle  of 
her  life.  I  feel,  in  common  with  the  wise  and  reflecting,  that  the  consti- 
tution of  Great  Britain,  even  with  it's  real  or  apparent  defects,  is  worthy 
of  continuance,  and  I  hope  of  perpetuity.  Our  ancestors  in  1688  once 
adopted  the  words  of  the  aged  Patriarch,  "  We  have  blessed  it,  yea,  and 
it  shall  be  blessed."  In  this  one  response,  I  trust  we  shall  all  be  orthodox; 
and  with  one  heart  and  voice  condemn  all  the  heresies  of  Galllck  policy, 
in  tlie  words  of  the  Alexandrian  Liturgy  of  old,  T»v  utficriav  KxruXviroi  in 
tpfvxy/^XTX."* 

Government  and  Literature  are  now  more  than  ever  intimately  con- 
nected. The  history  of  the  last  thirty  years  proves  it  beyond  a  contro- 
versy. Still  it  is  difficult  to  rouse  the  attention  of  men,  and  to  persuade 
them  of  the  fact.  But  I  have  attempted  it.  I  thought  It  just  and  right 
to  set  before  them  excellence  opposed  to  excellence,!  as  well  as  error 
contrasted  to  error.  In  the  present  change  of  manners,  opinions,  govern- 
ment, and  learning,  you  may  remember  I  gave  It  as  my  opinion,  in  which 
after  some  consideration  you  concurred,  that  a  variation  is  now  required 
in  the  mode  of  conducting  satirical  writing.  I  mean,  by  calling  in  the 
reciprocal  assistance  of  poetry  and  prose  in  the  same  work,  for  the  great 
end ;  if  It  is  designed  for  general  perusal  and  extended  application.  I 
think  this  work  is  the  first  attempt  of  the  kind,  In  th?  sense  which  I  pro- 
pose. 

Jlvfyua-xi^  o-Ti^xp^  FimTOS  E»  ivtn-i^.\ 
I  know  not  whether  I  am  mistaken,  but  as  it  appears  to  me,  the 
power  of  legitimate  Satire  thus  extended  and  strengthened  with  the  ram- 
part of  prose,  and  fully  understood,  is  the  best,  if  not  the  only  literar}' 
support  left.  I  am  sure  it  cannot  be  construed  Into  an  hired  service.  It 
has  nothing  In  it  of  professional  labour:  and  as  to  interested  views  oi 

*  Liturgia  Sanctl  Gregorll  Alexandrina.  Llturg.  Oriental.  Collect. 
Vol.  I.  p.  107.  Edit.  Paris.  1716. 

t  AyxSui  xyxhn  xvti^itx^ui.  Dion.  Halicarn.  ad  Cne.  Pompeiuir* 
de  Platone  Eplst.  p.  757.  Sect.  I.  Vol.  6.  Ed.  Reiske.  1777. 

^  Adapted  from  the  Antholcgl.  p.  393.  Ed.  Brodxi.  Fol. 


C      17     ] 

personal  profit  or  promotion  how  can  they  be  consistent  with  it?  It  is 
as  true  in  our  time,  as  in  that  of  Diyden,  (I  will  give  you  his  own  words,) 
that  ''  the  common  libellers  of  the  day,  are  as  free  from  the  imputation 
"  of  wit  as  of  morality."  Satire  has  another  tone  and  another  character, 
All  public  men,  however  distinguished,  must  in  their  turns  submit  to  it 
if  necessary  to  the  welfare  of  the  state.  The  altar  and  the  throne,  the 
minister  and  the  statesman,  may  feel  and  own  its  influence.  I  would  ex- 
press myself  with  diffidence  of  any  Satirist:  yet  of  the  office  itself,  and 
of  its  higher  functions,  I  would  speak  as  becomes  it's  dignity  and  the 
excellency  of  it's  ancient  character.     Magnificabo  apostolatum  meuni. 

In  my  opinion,  the  office  of  a  Satirist  is  by  no  means  pleasant  or  desi- 
rable, but  in  times  like  the  present  it  is  peculiarly  necessary.  It  is  indeed 
difficult  to  exercise  the  talent  without  an  appearance  of  severity  in  the 
character  and  disposition.  Even  playfulness  and  humour  are  called  by 
other  appellations.  Learning  is  ostentation,  censure  is  malignity,  and 
reprehension  is  abuse.  There  remains  a  more  formidable  objection.  On 
a  first  and  partial  view,  it  might  deter  any  man  from  engaging  in  Satire; 
at  least  any  man  who  feels  himself  (and  v/ho  does  not  feel  himself,  if  he 
examines  his  own  heart?)  unworthy  and  wretched  before  the  unerring 
judgment.  It  is  said  to  be  incompatible,  if  not  with  the  profession,  yet 
certainly  with  the  practice,  of  Christianity.  I  am  sure,  if  that  is  true,  the 
praise  of  wit,  or  learning,  or  talents,  is  nothing  worth.  If  private  malig- 
nity is  the  motive,  it  is  essentially  contrary  to  the  precepts  and  practice  of 
this  religion.  It  cannot  be  defended  for  a  moment.  But  if  Satire  is  an 
instrument,  and  a  powerful  instrument,  to  maintain  and  enforce  public 
order,  morality,  religion,  literature,  and  good  manners,  in  those  cases,  in 
which  the  pulpit  and  the  courts  of  law  can  seldom  interfere,  and  rarely 
with  effect;  the  community  may  authorize  and  approve  it.  The  autho- 
rized instruments  of  lawful  war  are  lawful. 

Satire  never  can  have  effect,  without  a  personal  application.  It  must 
come  home  to  the  bosoms,  and  often  to  the  offences  of  particular  men. 
■  It  never  has  its  full  force,  if  the  author  of  it  is  known  or  stands  forth; 
for  the  unworthiness  of  any  man  lessens  the  strength  of  his  objections. 
This  is  a  full  answer  to  those  who  require  the  name  of  a  satirical  poet. 
What  I  have  written,  is  delivered  to  the  public  in  this  spirit.  If  I  had 
any  private  end  or  malignity  in  any  part  of  it,  I  would  have  burned  the 

C 


[      18      ] 

work  with  ir.dignaiion  before  it  should  have  appeaiccl.  J  make  no  idic 
appeal  to  3"ou,  or  to  any  man,  for  the  truth  of  my  assertion;  it  is  enough 
for  me  to  feel  that  I  speak  truth  in  the  sincerity  of  my  heart.  If  I  am 
believed,  I  am  believed. 

But  I  may  ask  with  confidence  ;  Is  tliere,  in  this  work  on  the  Pursuits 
of  Literature,  any  sentence  or  any  sentiment,  by  wiiich  the  mind  may  be 
depraved,  degraded,  or  corrupted  ?  Is  there  a  principle  of  classical  criti- 
cism in  any  part  of  it,  which  is  not  just  and  defensible  by  the  greatest 
masters  of  ancient  and  legitimate  composition?  Is  there  any  passage 
Avhich  pandars  to  the  vitiated  taste,  or  to  the  polluted  affections  and 
passions  of  bad  men?  On  the  contrary;  Are  not  the  heart  and  under- 
standing fortified  unto  virtue,  and  exalted  into  independence?  Is  there 
any  idle  depreciating  declamation,  against  the  real  and  solid  advantages 
of  birth,  fortune,  learning,  wit,  talents,  and  high  station?  Is  there  any 
doctrine,  which  a  teacher  of  morality,  I  mean  Christian  morality,  might 
refuse  to  sanction  ?  A  moralist  and  a  divine  have  not  the  same  office 
with  the  satirist;  personality  is  foixign  to  them.  But  it  is  not  sufficiently 
attended  to  or  believed,  that  when  the  understanding  is  enervated,  when  it 
once  loses,  what  one  of  the  Fathers*  calls  emphatically,  the  t«5  (ppowio-ius 
c-vyvav  Kxi  TrtTrvxv^iusvov,  when  that  solid,  tenacious  power  of  the  mind  is 
dissolved,  it  is  then  open  to  all  manner  of  deception,  and  to  the  impressions 
of  sophistry  in  literature,  government,  philosophy,  and  religion.  On  this 
account,  many  works  and  manv  actions  must  be  considered,  wholly  un- 
worthy of  reprehension  or  notice  in  any  other  point  of  view. 

Ignorant  men  will  cry  out,  it  is  a  vexatious  suit,  when  it  is  a  just  pro- 
secution at  the  tribunal  of  public  opinion.  They  who  would  consider  my 
reprehensions  of  authors  and  of  the  tendency  of  their  writings,  as  libels, 
or  as  libellous  matter,  are  as  ignorant  of  common  law,  »s  they  are  forget- 
ful of  common  sense,  or  common  integrity  and  candour.  With  such  men, 
every  piece  of  criticism  is  a  species  of  libel.  If  they  are  inclined  to 
indict  any  part  of  my  work  as  libellous.^  it  will  be  incumbent  on  them  to 
contradict  the  great  sage  of  the  law,  who  declares  that,  "  In  a  criminal 
"  PROSECUTION,   the  tendency  which  all  libels  have  to  create  animosities 

*  Basil.  Archiepisc.  Cjesarese.  Op.  Vol.  2.  p.  698.  Ed.  Par.  16:8. 


C    19    3 

*'  cmd  distU7-b  the  public  peace  .f  is  the  whole  which  the  laiv  considers."* 
I  am  content  to  be  at  I^-sue  with  them  on  this  point.  If  any  part  of  my 
work  is  "  blasphemous,  immoral,  treasonable,  schismatical,  seditious,  or 
*'  scandalous,"  let  it  be  produced  publicly,  and  publicly  punished.  But  I 
maintain  that,  under  these  restrictions,  I  have  an  undoubted  right  to  lay  my 
sentiments  before  the  world,  on  public  subjects,  public  men,  and  public 
books,  in  any  manner  I  think  proper.  If  I  am  denied  this  right,  there  is  an 
end  of  the  freedom  of  the  prefs,  and  of  the  rational  and  guarded  liberty 
of  England.  If  the  matter  of  my  book  is  criminal,  let  it  be  shewn.  I 
appeal  to  the  courts  and  the  sages  of  the  law.  But  I  will  not  be  intimi- 
dated by  the  war-whoop  of  jacobins  and  democratic  writers,  or  the  feeble 
shrieks  of  witlings  and  poetasters.  While  I  have  power,  I  will  plead  in 
behalf  of  learning,  and  in  the  cause  of  my  countr}%  I  have  not,  in  this 
work,  violated  the  precepts  of  Christianity,  or  the  law  of  the  land ;  and 
till  1  have  done  both  or  either,  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  any  man  to  de- 
grade my  character  and  reputation  with  my  countiy.  If  I  have  drawn 
any  supposed  characters,  without  a  name  or  designation,  I  have  done  no 
more  than  Theophrastus  or  La  Bruyere.  I  shall  not  condescend  to  a  dis- 
cussion of  such  a  subject. 

Many  passages,  and  perhaps  trifling  or  sportive  allusions,  in  this  work 
to  persons  and  events,  are  best  defended  by  the  general  apology  of  Horace, 
"  Egosi  risi  quod  ineptus  Pastillos  Rufillus  olet,  lividits  st  mordaxvidear?" 
I  shall  offer  no  other  apology.  I  would  not  descend  to  such  minutis,  if 
they  were  not  connected  with  my  general  design.  Yet  Sporus  and  Lord 
Fanny  must  be  noticed,  as  Avell  as  Bufo  and  iVtticus.  Perhaps  such  pas- 
sages and  allusions  as  these  meet  with  the  least  indulgence.  The  works 
of  Pope  abound  in  them.  To  contem.poraries  they  are  pleasing  and  inter- 
esting, and  to  posterity  they  are  often  curious.  But  though  I  stoop  to 
such  trifles  rather  unwillingly,  yet  I  feel  they  are  often  necessary  to  the 
full  eifect  and  completion  of  Satire.  A  Gentleman  Usher  is  not  the  prin- 
cipal figure  in  the  etiquette  of  a  court,  but  he  must  stand  in  his  place. 

As  to  any  supposed  arrogance  or  presumption;  a  writer,  especially  a 
poet,  will  be  sometimes  warmed  with  the  dignity  and  importance  of  his 
subject,  and  may  express  himself  in  terms  rather  strong.     The  "  sume 

*  Blackstone  Commtnt.  B.  4.  Ch,  11. 


C      20      ] 

«uperbiam"  of  a  poet  is  seldom  severely  examined.  It  is  an  extravaganza 
at  most,  and  understood  as  such. 

Much  has  been  observed  as  to  the  defect  of  plan  in  my  Poem.  I  will 
say  a  few  words.  I  wish  not  to  vindicate,  but  to  explain  myself.  The 
object  of  the  whole,  is  a  View  of  Literature.  The  Poem  itself  is,  "  A  con- 
'*  versation  on  the  various  subjects  of  Literature,  in  a  very  extended  sense, 
"  as  it  affects  public  order,  regulated  government,  and  polished  society." 
Nothing  is  introduced  which  is  not  directly  or  indirectly,  to  that  main 
purpose.  It  does  not  appear  in  the  form  of  an  Epistle,  a  mock-epic,  or 
a  didactic  poem;  but  as  a  conversation  in  which  subjects  are  discussed, 
as  they  arise  naturally  and  easily ;  and  the  notes  illustrate  and  enforce 
the  general  and  particular  doctrines.  There  Is  as  much  method  and  con- 
nection, as  is  consistent  with  what  I  state  to  be  my  plan,  or  design.,  if  you 
like  that  word  better.  There  is  unity  in  the  design.  Conversation  has 
it's  laws,  but  they  are  pleasant,  not  severe  restraints.  Consuls  indeed  do 
not  now  meet  Consuls  in  Tusculum ;  and,  if  I  am  rightly  informed,  the 
symposiacs  at  Wimbledon  and  Holwood  have  not  too  much  severity  of 
method,  or  equality  in  the  glasses.  1  am  willing  to  give  my  adversaries 
the  full  benefit  of  the  sarcastic  pleasantly  of  Lord  Shaftesbury,  "  that  it 
"  would  be  a  belying  of  the  age,  to  put  so  much  good  sense  together  in  any 
••'  one  conversation,  as  to  make  it  hold  out  steadily,  and  with  plain  cohe- 
"  rence,  for  an  hour's  time*."  I  never  desired  to  exhaust  any  subject,  but 
to  leave  matter  for  the  reader's  own  suggestion.  I  may  add,  that  it  would 
be  difficult  to  analyze  one  of  the  most  finished  Satires  in  our  language.  I 
mean  Pope's  Two  Dialogues,  or  as  they  are  strangely  called,  the  Epilogue 
to  the  Satires. 

I  am  represented,  as  having  threatened  any  person  who  makes  inquiry 
after  me  or  my  name.  It  was  not  my  intention  to  do  so.  I  said,  "  it 
'•  will  be  more  than  foolish  to  be  very  inquisitive."  I  say  so  still;  for 
when  the  avenue  to  any  knowledge  is  strongly  and  effectually  closed, 
who  would  labour  after  it  fruitlessly?  To  waste  our  time  to  no  manner 
of  use,  is  not  surely  one  of  the  discriminating  marks  of  wisdom.  I  main- 
lain  it  boldly ;  no  man  has  a  right  to  demand  either  my  name  or  my  situa- 
tion.     It  has  been  observed  on  such  occasions,  that  "some  might  fight, 

*  Shaftesbury's  Moralists,  Sec.  I. 


[      21      ] 

"^  but  others  would  assassinate."  For  I  believe  1  have  no  real  enemies, 
but  the  lovers  of  confusion  and  the  troublers  of  states.  I  v/ill  acknow- 
ledge it,  I  come  armed  into  their  confines,  and  I  come  in  the  darkness  of  the 
night.  But  if  I  were  required  or  called  upon  to  choose  my  companion, 
j,au  know  I  am  prepared  with  the  answer  of  Dlomede. 

E*  ^4=y  Si)  ireipov  yi  xsAsyj;;  fi'ccvrtv  iMvha, 

n«j  cc'i  sz-sir'  OAY2HOS  iycj  ©EIOIO  hcJoiiAYiv ; 

'Ov  TTi^i  f/AV  TTpo'p^oJ-J  H.^o!.dtyi  K9it  Svung  xy^vM^ 

Ev  TruvTiva-i  TvcjoiTt.* 
And  if  I  am  forced  to  descend  into  the  lower  regions  of  sorrow  and  con- 
fusion, among  the  perturbed  spirits  of  anarchy  and  democracy,  I  shall  hope 
for  the  safe  conduct  of  the  Sibyll.  She  might  produce  the  branch  to  the 
ferryman  of  France  and  Tartarus.  I  would  wish  her  to  exhibit  this 
Poem,  as  the  "  Donum  fatalis  virgx,  longo  post  tempore  visum."  But  to 
leave  these  allusions.  My  book  is  open  to  all  the  accumulated  severity 
of  public  criticism  and  public  reprehension.  I  shrink  from  neither  of 
them.  When  I  am  wrong,  (I  have  never  been  so  intentionally)  1  will 
correct  myself,  and  have  done  so  frequently.  In  a  field  to  extensive,  can- 
dour, I  think,  will  allow  that  my  mistakes  have  not  been  very  numerous. 
As  to  my  poetry  or  versification,  it  was  not  written  as  a  vehicle  for 
the  notes,  but  the  notes  were  composed  to  accompany  the  text.  I  oflfer 
the  poetry  to  those  who  are  conversant  with  the  strength^  simplicity,  and 
dignity  of  Dryden  and  Pope,  and  them  alone.  I  submit  both  iny  Poems, 
"  The  Pursuits  of  Literature,  and  the  Imperial  Epistle,"  in  this  spirit  and 
with  this  confidence  to  the  public.  There  are  men,  (and  women  too) 
who  understand.  But  as  to  the  lovers  of  exotic  poetry,  I  refer  tbem  to 
the  Botanic  Garden  of  Dr.  Darwin.  My  plants  and  flowers  are  produced 
and  cherished  by  the  natural  invigorating  influence  of  the  common  sun  ;  I 
have  not  raised  them  by  artificial  heat. 

If  the  root  of  a  tree  is  sound  and  vigorous,  you  strengthen  the  shoots 
by  repressing  their  luxuriance.  I  approve  and  would  uphold  our  sacred 
and  civil  establishment.  I  would  therefore  mark  the  aberrations  and  mis- 
conduct even  of  men  of  talents  and  virtue,  who  compose  it.  I  would  shew, 
that  I  am  strictly  impartial.  I  can  censure,  witli  discrimination,  even  where 

*  II.  ID.  V.  242. 


[      22     ] 

I  g-enerally  approve,  and  consider  nothing  but  the  interest  of  the  state  upon 
the  whole.  It  is  to  misunderstand  or  to  misrepresent  me,  when  it  is  asserted 
that  I  attack  alike  friends  and  foes.  I  attack  no  man  in  liis  individual 
capacity.  1  has'e  nothing  to  do  with  the  vanity  or  injudicious  conduct  of 
friends,  but  as  they  affect  the  community ;  and  I  can  have  no  personal 
malignity  against  those  of  whom  1  am  personally  ignorant.  But  they 
shall  neither  disturb  nor  overthrow  the  state  of  England,  civil  or  religious, 
if  any  observations  of  mine  can  avail.  They  may  wish  to  know  me ;  but 
they  may  depend  upon  it,  I  will  never  give  a  proof  of  mv  spirit  at  the  ex- 
pence  of  my  understanding. 

I  would  not  have  you  or  any  man  think,  that  I  enter  into  a  defence 
of  my  work,  as  if  I  thought  it  required  one.  No.  I  have  vindicated, 
in  a  day  of  turbulence  and  terror,  the  authority  of  our  national  govern- 
ment and  constitution;  I  have  defended  the  purity  and  dignity  of  relip-ion 
and  our  sacred  establishment ;  I  have  pleaded  tlie  cause  of  sound  litera- 
ture and  true  philosophy;  I  have  recalled  the  public  attention  to  poetry 
without  conceit,  and  to  criticism  without  affectation  ;  I  have  endeavoured 
to  secure  to  women  their  honour,  social  rank  and  happiness,  by  an  attempt 
to  turn  the  thoughts  and  hearts  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  island  from  works 
of  obscenity  and  indecency,  from  the  morals  and  manners  of  atheists  and 
democratic  spoilers,  to  the  wisdom  of  the  just;  I  have  boldly  invaded  the 
strong  holds  of  impiety  and  anarchy,  plebeian  or  tribunitian.  I  have  done 
all  this ;  and  I  have  offended  many.  1  have  brushed  away  the  insects  of 
literature  whether  flattering  or  creeping;  I  have  shaken  the  little  stems  of 
many  a  plant,  and  the  flowerets  have  fallen.  I  have  almost  degraded 
myself  by  an  attention  to  minute  objects  in  the  service  of  the  public;  and 
1  am  called  upon  to  defend  myself.  No.. ..My  countenance  is  unaltered  ; 
my  perseverance  is  unbroken ;  the  spirit  and  tenour  of  my  speech  is  yet 
the  same.  My  words  are  firm.  Semd  causam  dixi,  (vel  itcrum  dicturus,J 
quo  semper  agerc  omnia  soUtus  sum,  accusatorio  spiritu.* 

As  to  political  matters  v,e  shall  never  want  observers.  I  hate  deser- 
ters of  their  dutyf  on  any  principle  whatever.  But  I  suppose  some  states- 
men think,  there  is  a  laudable  obliquity  and  a  seasonable  fear.  For  my 
own  part  I  shall  not,  on  this  occasion,  invade  the  retreat  of  St.  Ann's  Hill, 

*  Liv.  Lib.  2.  sect.  6i.  t  H.  of  C.  Nov.  1797. 


C      23      ] 

or  violate  the  purity  of  Drury  Lane.  H  such  statesmen  are  resolved  to 
free  at  once  both  the  senate  and  the  throne,  the  "  Ssvi  Splraciila  Ditis'.' 
are  open  to  them;  they  may  descend  in  safety,  and  disburthen  the  land. 
I  do  not  believe  that  the  possession  of  absolute  power  is  in  the  reach  of 
Mr.  Pitt,  or  of  any  man.  But  the  continuance  of  such  a  minister  in  office 
will  be  approved,  as  I  think,  while  the  security,  and  independence,  and 
dignity  of  the  crown,  the  parliament,  and  of  the  people  of  Gfeat  Britain, 
are  maintained  against  the  tyrannical  pretensions  of  pirates,  buccaneers, 
and  plunderers.  I  would  say  to  Mr.  Pitt,  as  Cicero  said  to  Torquatus, 
"  Tibi  nullum  periculum  esse  perspicio,  quod  quidem  sejunctura  sit  ab 
"  omnium  interitu."*  That  minister  has  not  looked  submissively,  at  any 
period  of  his  long  administration,  for  personal  protection  in  any  quarter. 
There  is  a  hardihood  about  the  man,  which  I  love.  On  the  broad  general 
question  of  the  time,  the  public  esteem  has  been  commensurate  with  the 
royal  approbation.  In  this,  the  policy  of  the  closet,  of  the  senate,  and  of 
the  people,  seems  to  have  been  one.  I  am  sure,  I  hope,  that  wherever 
Mr.  Pitt,  or  any  minister,  proceeds,  he  will  always  find  a  board  of  controll ; 
nor  would  I  by  any  means  disapprove  the  advice  of  an  honest  Mandarin. 
But  the  stairs  of  the  palace  have  noiv  but  one  flight ;  the  gate  is  in  front 
and  the  ascent  direct.  The  noble  Marquis,  who  is  now  no  more  in  office, 
may  brood  safely  over  beads  and  relicks.  There  is  some  propriety  in  this 
amusement.  It  is  pleasing  to  preserve  the  memorial  of  departed  dignity. 
In  my  opinion  the  Moor's  head  might  have  adorned  our  coin  with  the 
royal  Gallic  lillies,  though  the  sovereignty  of  France  and  of  Corsica  is 
passed. 

I  can  stand  aloof  from  the  scene  itself,  but  I  am  no  stranger  to  the 
moving  principle.  I  was  not  formed  to  wait  in  the  anti-  chamber  ot  a 
duke  of  Lerma,  or  a  Don  Calderone.  A  little  experience  is  sufficient  for 
the  observing.  It  is  either  my  advantage,  or  my  misfortune,  not  to  have 
adopted  any  prefession.  I  never  could  decide  that  point.  But,  as  you 
well  know,  I  framed  an  early  and  an  undaunted  resolution,  (perhaps  not 
wholly  justifiable,  but  certainly  not  degrading  to  the  character)  that  I 
never  would  do  personal  suit  and  service,  for  convenience  or  emolument, 
to  any  man  however  high,  in  a  subordinate  station.      I  framed  that  reso- 

*  Clc.  Ep.  ad  F-am.  Lib.  6.  Ep.  i. 


[      24      ] 

lution  ;  I  adhered  to  it.  Privacy  is  my  lot.  Be  it  so:  it  is  the  soil  in 
which  learning  and  reflection  strike  deepest.  In  these  days  it  is  my  de- 
sire that  obscurity  should  gather  round  me.  Now  and  then  indeed  the 
thoughts  of  times,  which  are  no  more,  will  bring-  with  them  a  casual, 
momentary,  doubtful  glimpse  of  what  might  have  been;  and  often,  with 
the  poet  of  Valclusa  by  the  fountain  of  Sorga,  I  have  regretted  some 
periods  of  inactivity,  not  of  sloth,  which  have  passed, 

Senza  hvarrdi  a  xolo^  avend'io  I'ale, 
Per  dar  forse  di  me  non  bassi  esempi. 

But  if  the  laurel,  which  I  have  now  planted,  should  thicken  round  the 
temple  of  my  retirement,  the  pillars  will  support  it.  The  materials  are 
solid,  and  the  ground  is  firm. 

I  have  indeed  a  few  memoirs  by  me,  written  in  other  days  and  with 
other  liopes ;  and  if  I  could  polish  the  style,  and  reduce  them  a  little  into 
form,  I  am  convinced  they  would  not  be  uninteresting.  "  Le  Rot  et 
"  ses illi)2istres  j eutLtresefairoienl  lire  ces Memolres,  qui  assii/eineyit  ne sont 
"■^ pas  ceiix  d'lin  ignorant."  But  let  this  pass  for  the  present.  I  am  for 
practicable  politics.  I  would  not  be  driven  into  measures  from  which 
there  is  no  retreat.  1  smile  when  I  am  told  of  love  and  hate  in  politicians 
and  ministers.  These  are  passions  which  they  never  felt.  Circumstances 
alone  unite  and  separate  them.  I  would  wish  to  act  with  those  states- 
men who  would,  as  far  as  is  consistent  with  the  dignity  and  safety  of  the 
country,  by  a  timely  concession  and  a  rational  departure  from  too  rigid 
principles,  prevent  those  calamities  which  result  from  authority  without 
power,  and  expense  without  supplies.  But  my  hour  for  treating  these 
subjects,  in  the  manner  I  propose,  is  not  yet  come.  I  must  turn  to  other 
thoughts  for  a  season. 

When  Philosophy  saw  the  Muses  standing  by  Boethius  in  his  affliction, 
she  spoke  in  terms  of  some  surprise  and  indignation.*  In  our  time  this 
indignation  would  have  been  retorted  by  the  sisters  of  the  song.  Philo- 
sophy has  appeared,  not. to  console,  but  to  deject.  When  1  have  read 
and  thought  deeply  on  the  accumulated  horrors,  and  all  the  gradations  of 
wickedness  and  misery,  through  which  the  modern  systematic  philosopliy 

*  Bueth.  de  Consolat.  Phllos.  L.  I.  Pr.  i. 


\ 


[      25      ] 

of  Europe  has  conducted  her  illuminated  votaries,  to  the  confines  of  politi- 
cal death  and  mental  darkness,  my  mind  for  a  space  feels  a  convulsion, 
and  suffers  the  nature  of  an  insurrection.  I  look  around  me.  I  look  to 
human  actions,  and  to  human  principles.  I  consider  again  and  again, 
what  is  the  nature  and  effect  of  learning  and  of  instruction ;  what  is  the  doc- 
trine of  evidence,  and  the  foundation  of  truth.  I  ask  myself,  are  all  these 
changed?  Have  the  moral  and  the  natural  laws  of  God  to  his  creatures 
another  basis?  Has  the  lapse  of  fifty  years  made  an  alteration  in  Him, 
who  is  declared  to  be  the  same  to  day,  yesterday,  and  forever?  Can 
the  violence,  the  presumption,  the  audacity,  the  arrogance,  the  tyranny  of 
man,  drunk  with  self-idolatry  and  temporary  success,  change  the  nature 
and  essence  of  God  and  of  his  works,  by  calling  good  evil  and  evil  good? 
I  am  told,  that  human  reason  is  nearly  advanced  to  full  perfection ;  I  am 
assured,  that  she  is  arrived  at  the  haven,  where  slie  would  be.  I  again 
look  around  me.  I  ask,  where  is  that  haven?  where  is  that  steady  gale 
which  has  conducted  her?  I  listen,  but  it  is  to  the  tempest:  I  cast  my 
view  abroad,  but  the  ocean  is  every  where  perturbed.  I  pause  again. 
Perhaps,  it  is  "  ths  wind  and  storm  fulJiHing  his  word!" 

I  resume  the  reflections  of  suffering  humanity  amid  the  wreck  of  intel- 
lect. This  was  not  the  ancient  character  of  philosophy.  The  lovers  of 
wisdom,  in  the  best  ages  of  Athens  and  of  Rome,  always  discoursed  with 
reverence  and  submission  to  the  Author  and  Governor  of  the  world.  They 
considered  of  whom  they  spoke.  If  they  turned  to  the  origin  of  evil,  or 
to  any  dark  and  unfathomable  question,  they^^r^^  called  upon  man  to  con- 
sider the  limits  of  his  understanding.  They  warned  him,  with  most 
peculiar  emphasis,  to  beware  of  those  xXvroi  x^opixi,  those  difficulties  of 
hard  solution,' which  are  but  increased  by  defences  or  arguments  111  con- 
structed. The/  implored  him  affectionately,  to  avoid  all  that  tends  to 
overthrow,  to  trouble  or  disturb  those  principles,  which  conduct  to  peace 
and  to  right  action.  Their  advice  was  to  strengthen  the  intellect,  and  to 
compose  the  passions,  not  by  braving  and  insulting  the  all-powerful,  all- 
wise,  and  all-merciful  Creator,  but  by  an  humble,  patient  inquiry  into  his 
works,  and  by  submission  to  his  dispensations.  They  seemed  to  be  well  aware, 
that  to  him  who  understood  all  tlie  bearings  and  relations  of  the  word,  Re- 
signation to  the  will  of  God  was  the  whole  of  piety.  If  upon  sages  like  these 
tlie  light  of  revelation  should  appear,  as  the  regent  of  tbeir  nlillosophicai 

D 


C      26      ] 

day,  nothing  can  be  conceived  more  august,  nothing  more  ennobling, 
nothing  more  dignified.  Poetry  and  philosc^phy  may  then  speak  a  lan- 
guage worthy  of  themselves: 

Alt  ills  bis  nihil  est;  hczc  sunt  fasti gia  miincji  I 
PuBLicA  katuRjI:  Dosirs  his  contenta  lenetur 
Finibus* 

When  we  have  read  such  writers,  it  is  hardly  possible  not  to  turn  from 
modern  sceptics  and  sciolists  with  something  more  than  neglect.  If  to 
their  philosophy  they  add  witticism  and  ribaldry,  they  are  nauseous.  If 
to  their  ribaldry  they  join  folly  and  gross  ignorance,  they  should  be 
driven  from  our  fellowship  with  contempt.  The  continued  labours  of  the 
arch  Theomachist  of  the  age,  the  records  of  that  perpetual  conflict  which 
he  maintained,  during  the  course  of  fifty  years  of  a  long  and  impious  life, 
against  the  spiritual  "  kingdoms  of  God  and  of  his  Christ,"  and  the  me- 
morials of  his  desolating  days,  will  all  be  entombed  in  the  French  Pan- 
theon with  the  mouldering  remnant  of  his  bones.f  Dust  to  dust,  ashes  to 
ashes!  He  sowed  unto  the  flesh,  and  of  the  flesh  he  and  his  disciples  have 
reaped  death  and  corruption.  All  the  minor  powers  of  infidelit}'-,  anarchy, 
sedition,  rebellion,  and  democracy,  mayje^  be  dispersed  in  England:  from 
their  leaders  Voltaire,  D'Alembert,  aad  Condorcet,  to  the  vulgar  illiterate 
blasphemy  of  Thomas  Paine,  and  the  contem]3tible  nonsense  of  William 
Godwin.  I  feel  for  mankind  when  they  are  insulted  by  such  writers.  I 
make  common  cause  with  my  fellow  creatures,  and  call  upon  them  to  rally 
round  the  constitution  of  our  human  nature,  and  to  support  its  dignity. 

From  writers  of  this  character,  my  thoughts  are  directed  to  the  pro- 
fessors of  that  superstitious  corruption  of  Christianity,  ^^Vch  originally 
gave  occasion  to  those  attempts,  to  which  it  has  jJeasea  Providence  to 

*  Manil.  Astron.  L.  i. 

t  To  the  w'ritings  of  Voltaire  the  strong  words  of  Eusebius  are  applicable: 
"  AuT«<  «<  TOY  0EOMAXOY  (pwi/ow  45r<  y.a.xiX';  iiry^vt  (/.iyot,'Kot,vy\iy.ivH,  x.Xi 
Tcci  Ts-pc^  TH  T"4/«(rT»  rot?  ccy/iXot?  7sxfctdo6ii(rxg  rmi  ihcat    ojioOKrixg    OiecBTreco'cn 

KXt   G-Vy^iiV  OiTruXUVrC;)  Trp&VOyAVC-ilV  TS  TJJF  OlKHI^iVnV,  KCii  VCCV  T«  TIUV  CtV^UTTUV 

yivo?  ^liKo-nc-iiv  y,cii  f-urci^miriiv  rvi?  ^poTSpov  £vr«|<«5  (tTrxvSKOtxi^ofiiVH." 
liuseb.  Demonstrat.  Evang.  Lib.  4.  Sect.  9. 


( 


C     27     ] 

permife  a  tempora;y  success,  to  scourge  the  nations  of  Europe.    I  am  sure 
tlie  plain  simplicity  of  the  protestanc  religion  of  England  could  never  have 
suggested  so  daring,  so  extensive  a  project.      I  have  therefore  spoken  at 
large  of  the  Roman  Catholic  religion,  and  its  professors,  and  the  emigrants 
and  French  priests.     From  some  observations   I  have  heard  and  seen  on 
this  part  of  my  v/ork,  you  may  remember  I  was  tempted  to  think,  that  I 
had  advanced  something  new  on  this  subject.     I  am  sure  the  principles 
are  as  old  and  as  moderate  as  those  of  the  reformation.     I  know  that    ' 
every  page  of  our  histoiy  confirms  their  truth.     Have  we  forgotten  the    < 
history  of  that  Reformation?     Is   "  the   Preservative   against   Popery"    • 
buried  in  oblivion  and  unmerited  neglect?       Do  we  remember  Mede  and  1^ 
Chillingworth,  and   Hooker,   and  Tillotson,   and  Hoadly  and  Sherlock?    -j 
Can  we  pass  by  the  phalanx  of  statesmen,  and  bishops,  and  lawyers,  who    | 
stood  forth  in  1688  ?     What  I  have  advanced  is  in  substance  very  old;  i 
in  manner  it  may  perhaps  be  new.       All  I  have  advised,   ig   on  the  side  ; 
of  caution.     I  only  declared  and  pronounced  solemnly  in  the  face  of  my 
country,  that  a  college  of  Romish  priests  of  a  religion  hostile  in  prin- 
ciple and  in  action  too,  whenever  it  has  the  power,  against  the  established 
church  of  this  kingdom,  should  not  be  set  upon  a  hill-)  and  authorised  and 
maintained  by  the  ministers  of  the  crown,  and  the  public  money  of  the 
land.     They  have  been  dispersed  since  that  warning  was  given.     I  only 
said,  let  support  be  administered  to  them  privately,  and  in  detached  situ- 
ations.    I  have  pity  for  them,  and  relief  too,  according  to  my  ability. 

But,  "  though  I  give  all  my  goods  (said  an  apostle)  to  feed  th€  poor 
"  and  the  distressed,  and  haxe  not  charity.,  it  profiteth  me  nothing."  What 
does  he  mean?  He  surely  means  something.  Alms  alone,  it  seems, 
however  liberal,  however  extended,  neither  are,  nor  can  be,  the  whole  or 
the  essence  of  Christian  charity.  They  are  indeed  a  material  part,  and 
one  of  the  best  external  proofs  of  its  existence.  Charity  is  in  reality  a 
principle  of  general  safety,  of  kindness,  of  active  benevol&nce,  of  discern- 
ment, of  prudence,  of  moderation,  and  of  guarded  virtue.  It  originated 
from  Him, who  commanded  his  disciples  to  join  the  innocence  of  the  dove 
"with  the  wisdom  of  the  serpent.  We  may  depend  upon  it;  the  system 
of  Christianity  is  not  inconsistent  v,-lth  itself.  Surely  this  is  not  to  teach 
persecution  or  intolerance.  My  language  and  arguments  are  designed 
only  to  shew,  that  the  spirit  of  the  system  of  Popery  yet  reraain^  iinal- 


[      28      ] 

tered  in  its  great  and  leading  principles.  If  it  perishes,  it  will  perish 
altogether.  I  love  toleration  in  the  constitutional  sense  of  the  word,  as 
much  as  the  most  designing  patriot  of  the  day:  but  indifference  to  the 
public  form  of  religion  is  the  first  step  to  its  neglect,  and  to  its  consequent 
abolition.  I  cannot  think  it  a  mark  of  intolerance,  when  I  deprecate  the 
revival  of  the  Romish  superstition  in  England.*  There  is  an  enthusiasm, 
an  o^y(x,7iA,t>r,,  in  the  professors  of  it,  which,  1  know,  never  forsakes  them. 
It  is  active,  where  its  influence  can  hardly  be  supposed.  It  is  said  to 
pervade  even  the  squabbles  of  a  society  set  apart  for  the  preservation  of 
our  national  antiquity.  With  a  cat-like  watch,  it  peers  and  pries  over 
every  paper  on  ecclesiastical  reliques,  and  garbles  the  slightest  casual 
effusions   of  protestant  zeal,  before   it  is  presented  to  the  world.      If  it 

.      *  "  From  obvious  causes  (indeed)  the  cruelty,  the  tyranny,  the  impiety  of 
I     "  the  church  of  Rome  have  almost  faded  from  our  memory  ;   but  ive  must 

f"  bring  them  back  to  our  recollection,  if  ive  would  understand  "  the  judg- 
"   HENTS   OF   GOD  WHICH   ARE   ABROAD   IN   THE   EARTH."       She  is  noW 

"  persecuted  in  her  turn.  As  Englishmen,  we  forget  her  injuries;  as 
"  Christians,  we  pity  and  give  alms  to  her  exiled  adherents,  regardless  of 
"  the  malicious  endeavours  of  our  adversaries  to  represent  the  Church  of 
"  England,  as  itself  interested  in  her  preservation.  But  let  us  only  advert 
"  to  tile  principles,  religious  and  civil,  upon  wliich  we  are  separated  from 
"  that  idolatrous  and  intolerant  power;  and  it  will  be  evident  that,  as  a 
"  national  Church,  v/e  have  neitlier  part  nor  lot  in  this  matter.     Our 

"  CAUSES   ARE   DISTINCT   AND   MUST   EVER   REMAIN    SO:    and  We    havC 

"  now  more  abundant  reason  than  ever  to  rejoice  in  our  reformed  religion. 

"  Our  fathers  obeyed  the  warning  voice,  and  left  her  corrupt  communion 

"  w  hen   she  had  risen  to  the  zenith  of  her  glory ;  and  we  have  hitherto 

"  escaped  tlie  plagues  by  which  she  is  now  tormented."     And  it  may  be 

added,  that  "  as  England  was  formerly  (and  I  trust  is  still)  the  bulwark  of 

•        *'  the  Protestant  faith,  so  must  she  now  be  the  bulwark  of  Christianity 

;       "  itself."     See  the  Bishop  of  Lincoln  Dr.  Pretyman's  sermon  before  the 

\       King  and  Parliament  at  St.  Paul's  on  the  public  thanksgiving  on  the  19th 

\      December,    1797.     (Published  in  February,  1798.)     It  is  a  composition 

written  with  great  judgment,  eloquence,  and  discernment  of  the  Hgns  of 

the  times. 


C      29      ] 

cannot  be  openly  recommended,  it  Avill  effectually  guard  against  the 
least  reproach  or  insinuation  of  its  subtlety.  Romish  baronets  will  be 
busy,  and  Romish  priests  will  meddle.  Perhaps  the  Secretaiy  to  that 
society  knows,  whether  these  hints  are  true  and  justifiable.  It  surely  will 
be  understood,  I  am  only  speaking  of  the  spirit  and  tendency  of  the  system 
itself.  I  w^ould  carry  charity  with  me  in  my  heart  and  in  my  hand,  but 
I  know  that  charity  is,  and  must  be,  consistent  with  a  love  to  my  country, 
and  to  her  rights  civil  and  religious.  If  I  am  wrong,  I  fear,  1  must  con- 
tinue so.    I  have  yet  seen  no  argument  to  shake  mv  conviction. 

I  would  say  a  few  words  on  another  part  of  my  work.  I  have  been 
under  the  necessity,  at  least  as  I  thought,  of  appealing  for  illustration 
to  writers  of  all  ages  and  in  various  languages.  There  Is  an  appearance 
of  ostentation  in  it,  to  which  I  must  submit.  I  certainly  am  of  opinion 
with  Casaubon,  that  it  cannot  be  supposed,  "  facere  aliquid  ad  veram 
"pietatem  seu  doctrinam,  Grseca  potius  qum  alia  lingua  loqui."*  Certainly 
not.  But  to  enforce  and  to  illustrate  any  position,  the  language  of  poets, 
and  the  dignity  and  spirit  of  ancient  eloquence  and  history,  in  the  original 
words,  are  of  no  mean  assistance.  The  nature  and  full  force  of  this 
work  could  not  have  been  sustained  without  the  notes,  in  which  the 
most  important  subjects,  sacred,  moral,  and  political,  are  occasionally 
discussed.  But  I  have  generally  given,  in  English,  the  substance  of  the 
allusions,  contaiaed  in  the  learned  languages  which  are  brought  forward. 

I  would  not  have  any  one  thiiik,  that  an  appeal  to  the  higher  poets 
of  modern  Italy  is  either  trifling  or  disgraceful.  No  man  ever  felt  the 
power  of  poetry,  if  he  refused  his  homage  to  Dante,  Petrarch,  Ariosto, 
and  Tasso;  I  mean,  if  their  language  was  familiar  to  him.  In  their 
prirual  poet  their  is  an  originality  and  a  hardihood  of  antiquity.  His  soul 
was  dark  and  sullen;  it  was  proud  and  full  of  his  wrongs.  Frons  Ixta 
parum  et  dejecto  lumina  vultu.  He  passed  through  imaginary  realms 
without  the  sun,  to  the  confines  of  light  and  hope.  The  day  shone  full 
upon  him,  and  the  beams  were  from  on  high.  His  draught  of  men  and 
their  passions  is  eternal.  His  language  was  like  himself,  deep  and  full 
of  matter;  its  strength  and  harmony  may  be  best  expressed  by  his  Tuscan 
brother: 

*Is.  Casaub.  Exercitat.  i6.  ad.  Annales  Ecclesiast.  Baronii. 


C      30     ] 

Aspro  conccnto,  orribile  armonia 
D'alte  querele,  d'ululi,  e  tli  strida, 
Istranamente  concordar  s'udia.* 

As  to  Petrarch  ;  we  are  led  by  every  milder  feeling  to  the  retreat  of  Val- 
clusa.  The  strain  of  the  poet  is  yet  softer  than  the  breeze,  or  the  mur- 
mur of  his  fountain.!  Yet  was  he  not  without  energy.  His  subject  was 
sometimes  high  and  holy.  He  was  familiar  with  death,  and  his  breath- 
ings were  after  immortality.  He  too  could  describe  the  disruption  of  the 
mortal  V€il,  and  the  departure  of  the  soul, 

S'oegliatafra  gli  sjiirti  eletti^ 

Ove  nel  suo  Fat  tor  I' Alma  s' interna! 

I  will  not  pursue  this  theme ;  and  of  Ariosto  and  Tasso  it  would  be  idle 
to  speak.  But,  by  the  way,  I  may  observe,  that  the  three  greatest  mas- 
ters of  heroic  verse,  in  unlaboured  ease  and  flowing  dignity,  are  to  my 
apprehensioH  and  judgment.  Homer,  Ariosto,  and  the  glory  of  Spain, 
Alonzo  d'Ercilla.:}:  I  have  without  intention  indeed,  but  with  the  privi- 
lege of  a  letter,  descanted  a  little  on  a  favourite  incidental  topic.  For 
when  I  hear  the  language  of  Italy  under  these  mighty  masters,  called 
frivolous  and  light,  I  cannot  pass  it  without  a  moment's  vindication.  In 
my  opinion  they  strengthen  and  harmonize  both  the  intellect  and  the  ear. 
My  references  to  them  are  however  very  few. 

I  am  told,  I  am  forgiven  for  my  Latin ;  but  for  the  Greek,  not  so 
easily.  In  this  particular  indeed,  I  am  rather  surprised  that  no  man  ofivit 
has  said  of  my  notes,  "  They  are  Greek  invocations  to  call  fools  into  a 
"  circle. "II  Certainly  there  will  be  halos  round  the  brightest  luminaries ; 
and  it  must  be  confessed,  that  many  of  my  notes  have  such  a  circular 
appearance.  If  some  galled  theologian  were  disposed  to  banter,  and  to 
question  the  validity  of  my  Greek  ordination,  he  would  perhaps  shrewdly 

*  Ariosto.  O.  F.  c.  16. 

Such  is  the  harmonious  prose  which  distinguishes  the  critical  writings  of 
the  great  Halicarnassian.  Epist.  ad.  Cn.  Pompeium.  de  Platone.  Sect.  2. 

I  Shakespeare's  As  you  like  it.  act  2. 

II  Tlie  author  of  Araucav.a. 


[      31      ] 

remind  me  of  the  Council  of  Florence  in  1439,  when  the  Greek  and  Latin 
churches  proposed,  as  a  principle  of  union,  that  the  Gi-ec^hs  should  alter 
their  manuscripts  y"ro;K  tbe  Latin.  He  might  tell  me  of  that  celebrated 
"  Fcedus  cum  Grxcis,"  so  Avell  known  among  the  sacred  mantisurlpt 
critics.  And  if  I  were  to  adduce  from  the  great  Erasmus,  my  "  Capita 
*'  argumentorum  contra  morosos  quosdam  et  indoctos;"*  I  should  be  re- 
minded by  Dr.  Parr,  that  I  have  not  the  erudition  of  Erasmus,  or  the 
gentle  manners  of  the  serene  Sepulveda.  Mr.  Knight  would  remand  me 
to  the  Greek  alphabet  (to  any  one,  I  hope,  but  his  own,)  and  his  modesty 
would  attempt  some  jucundity  from  the  Lusus  Priapi.  I  will  endure 
them  all.     I  have  patience  and  pity  too. 

I  know  you  were  surprised,  when  you  found  me  beset  with  poetas- 
ters, and  rhetoricians,  and  commentators,  and  old  seventh  form  boys, 
that  I  was  so  patient.  In  truth  I  thought  there  might  be  some  remedy. 
Yet  I  will  own,  that  when  I  see  so  many  heads  around  me  deprived  of  the 
substance  of  sense,  I  am  perpetually  calling  for  the  ampolla  of  Astolpho, 
that  sacred  vessel  which  he  brought  from  the  upper  regions. 

*'  Che  tempo  e  ormai,  C/6'  ai  capi  voti  0  macri 
"  Di  senno,  si  soccorri  con  /'  ampolla.^ 

But  I  should  have  too  much  on  my  hands,  and  I  recall  my  wish. 
In  the  political,  as  well  as  in  the  mere  literary  world,  there  is  more  to  do 
in  that  way  than  I  can  attempt. 

A  few  drops  from  this  ampolla  might  nov*^  and  then,  on  particular 
occasions,  fall  on  the  Minister  himself,  who  now  in  his  taxes  appears  as 
the  political  Hecate, |;  or  Diana,  in  their  tripk  forms.     Some  of  it  also 

*  Nov.  Test,  by  Erasmus  in  1595.  5th  Edit. 

t  Arlosto.  O.  F.  Cant.  38. 

\  Hecate  is  termed  in  the  Argonauticks  of  Orpheus, 

Tp;j-5-«x«j)j5ves  ioiiv.)    oXoo)i  Tep«f,   art  ^xr,Toy, 

TetfTecfOTTxi?  ExxTvil  (v.  974.)  Edit.  Eschenback.  p.  66. 
For  the  Diana  rfuf^oftpo;,  look  at  the  gems  of  Fulvius  Ursinus.— It  is  odd, 
that  Lycophron,  in  all  the  darkness  of  his  prophetic  song,  chanting  forth 
the  powers  a?  Ap>i?  i(pi  ;\«t6,  couples  together  Bellona  and  Minerva,  "K«; 
"  h'  Evtv  Htci  Tfiymr,Tf?  Qict,"     Cassand.  v.  519. — What  is  the  allege- 


C      32      3 


might  be  spared  fcr  Earl  Fitzwllliam  with  good  effect;  but  I  should  be 
unwilling  to  waste  the  precious  liquor  on  the  noble  head  of  his  Grace  of 
Bedford.  Some  crests  are  indeed  vulnerable :  but  the  natural  constitu- 
tion is  sometimes  so  radically  impaired,  that  when  the  head  is  once  open- 
ed, it  is  in  vain  to  think  of  closing  it.  Mr.  Home  Tooke,  for  instance, 
is  out  of  the  reach  of  art.  I  would  only  set  up  the  bidental  at  the  book- 
seller's door  at  Wimbledon.  It  will  at  least  serve  as  a  land-mark  for  the 
French,  on  their  first  invasion.  As  to  the  mendicij  'inimiy  dalatronesj 
what  can  be  done?  The  mast  infamous  are  the  most  contented.  But 
there  are  minor  members  of  the  great  democratic  body,  and  all  have  not 
the  same  office.  Yet  there  is  a  marvellous  use  (and  they  understand  it 
better  than  we  do)  in  that  which  every  joint  supplieth.  1  should  leave 
Mr.  Tierney  (c),  with  some  little  hope,  to  the  discipline  of  Cocker  and 
Oldfield  {6).  He  may  perhaps  improve  in  calculation ;  but  I  think  it 
will  be  some  time  before  his  anti-professional  prattle  Avill  impose  on  ano- 
ther boy-committee  on  a  contested  election.  The  drops  of  the  ampolla 
would  never  penetrate  the  thick  rotundity  of  Mr.  NichpUs  (c) ;  but  they 
might  insinuate  themselves  through  the  zig-zag  crevices  of  Sir  John  Sin- 
clair's head.  If  we  pass  to  subjects  of  lighter  moment,  even  the  Bavian 
drops  from  Mr.  Gifford  have  fallen  off,  like  ail,  from  the  plumage  of  the 
Florence  and  Cruscan  geese.  At  home  also,  I  am  sorry  that  his  success 
is  imperfect.  I  am  told,  that  Mr.  Greathead  and  Mr.  Merry  yet  write 
and  talk;  and  Mr.  Ternikgha:.i  (poor  man  1)  still  continues  ^////er  than 
bis  sheep. 

But  a  truce  to  this  badinage.  Like  the  warrior  of  Ithaca,  I  would 
appear  but  for  a  season,  and  for  a  peculiar  purpose,  in  such  a  garb.  It  is 
necessary  novj  to  assume  those  higher  functions  to  which  I  am  called,  to 
claim  for  myself,  and  to  vindicate  the  undoubted  right*  and  hereditar)' 
dignity  of  the  satiric  muse. 

ry?     It  seems  as  if  war  and  wisdom  might  be  joined  together  ;  but  the 
sooner  the  union  can  be  dissolved,  the  better. 

(a)  M.  P.  for  the  Borough,  {b)  An  obscure  writer  on  the  Bo- 
roughs, "  The  sad  historian  of  that  tainted  plain."  (c)  M.  P.  for 
Tregony. 

*  SyvS<xey  Me<5-o«v  xTSsdvow  PinJ.  Pyth.  i. 


C      33      ] 

AATO  A'  EIII  MEFAN  OTAON  !   tx,oy  C<«  nh  f«p«Tfr.»  * 

I  had  once  a  thought,  as  you  advised  me,  of  analysing  the  following 
poem.  But  to  what  effect,  and  for  what  use?  To  men,  like  you,  it  is 
needless  or  presumptuous:  to  others  it  is  superfluous.  I  am  indeed  confi- 
dent, that  when  all  tlie  personal  objects  of  my  praise  or  censure  shall  have 
passed  from  the  scene,  this  work  will  be  found  to  contain  principles  of 
government,  polity,  religion,  morality,  education,  criticism,  poetry,  and 
literature,  Avorthy  of  being  transmitted  to  another  age.  I  have  indeed 
already  said  much:  but  I  think,  I  have  something  more  to  offer  to  my 
country,  if  the  blessing  of  strength  and  health  should  graciously  be  ex- 
tended and  continued  to  me.  I  mean,  if  I  see  a  proper  occasion  to  pre- 
sent it,  and  if  England  should  not  be  absorbed  in  the  vortex  and  abhorred 
gulph  of  democracy  and  tyranny. 

Still  perhaps  I  am  incautious  in  my  words.  I  can  promise  little.  How- 
ever that  may  be,  my  principle  is  and  ever  has  been,  that  "  no  mam 
LivETH  UNTO  HIMSELF,"  for  his  own  little  pleasures,  or  mean  gratifica- 
tions, or  low  unworthy  passions,  the  dirty  family  of  selfishness,  which  by 
the  laN<^  of  Providence  defeats  its  own  jiurposes.  I  speak  not  of  a  roman- 
tic, impracticable,  general  good,  but  of  the  specific  benefit  which  an  indi- 
vidual may  and  can  confer  on  his  fellow-creatures  in  his  own  limited 
sphere  of  action,  by  a  continued  exertion  of  the  faculties  or  talents  with 
which  he  finds  and  feels  himself  intrusted. 

Well-wishers  to  their  country  are,  above  all  things,  desirous  of  the 
steady  light  of  Literature,  and  of  the  day-spring  from  on  high.  Yet  what- 
ever they  or  we  may  hope,  the  horizon  may  perhaps  be  now  illuminated 
with  its  departing  beams.  I  will  yet  strive  to  be  full  of  hope:  though  \\\ 
some  passing  moments  of  dejection,  the  strain  of  the  Florentine  poet,  in 
;ill  its  melancholy  harmony,  dwells  on  my  ear:  Pensa^  che  qiusto  di  mai 
non  raggiorna  !  f 

But  let  us  still  contemplate  the  glory  which  was  cast  round  other  times. 
I  will  therefore  conclude   this  letter,  by  complying  with  your  request  in 

*  Horn.  Od.  2  2.  t  Dante  Parad. 

E 


C      34      ] 

ofTcniig  you  a  veiy  few  ideas  on  the  ci'/c/'"  Satirists  of  ancient  and  of  modern 
fame.  Z  may  be  sin^'ular  perhaps;  but  if  I  except  Lucilius,  (who  is 
known  to  us  only  by  detached  lines  and  short  passages,)  in  my  opinion, 
the  fulness  of  that  glory  never  shone  hit  en  six  poets:  "  Quos  orbe  sub 
omni  Jam  vix  septei^a  numerat  sapientia  fama."  The  character  of 
Lucilius,  the  inventor  of  Satire,  was  respected  by  Scipto  and  Lilies, 
They  were  his  friends.  Poetasters,  rhetoricians,  and  evea  men  of  high 
quality  and  of  consular  rank  were  often  the  subjects  of  his  censure.  I 
know  not  what  a  modea'n  French  Directory  might  do  with  a  man  of 
his  character;  but  Lucilius  enjoyed  respect  and  impunity  in  the  Roman 
Republic.  Horace  in  the  politest  age,  under  the  despotism  of  Au- 
gustus, insinuated  himself  into  the  graces  of  the  emperor:  yet  he  was 
peculiarly  studious  to  mark  the  obnoxious,  foolish,  or  wicked  characters 
of  his  age.  He  was  careful  not  to  be  misunderstood.  He  noted  the 
name,  the  profession  and  the  rank  of  those  whom  he  devoted  to  undying 
ridicule,  or  consigned  to  the  eternity  of  fame.  Augustus  and  Maecenas 
w^ell  knew  the  value  of  such  a  poet.  They  looked  to  the  stability  of 
government  and  the  empire  of  good  sense,  and  found  them  intimately  con- 
nected v/ith  literature  and  poetry.  In  the  time  of  Nero  and  Trajan, 
Juvenal  and  Persius  exerted  a  severity  without  playfulness,  and  veiled 
themselves  in  obscurity,  yet  without  being  misunderstood.  They  applied 
directly  and  irresistibly  to  the  inmost  feelings  of  the  heart,  callous  and 
depraved  as  it  was.  The  writers  were  either  spared  or  neglected ;  but 
their  works  were  admired  and  circulated.  I  know  the  person  to  whom 
I  am  now  addressing  myself  too  well,  to  enter  into  a  criticism  on  Horace, 
Juvenal  or  Persius.     Mr.  Dryden  indeed  has  done  it  already. 

An  interval  of  ages  passed,  dark  and  barbarous.  The  power  of  Satire, 
in  its  full  and  legitimate  strength,  was  never  again  felt  till  the  reign  of 
Louis  the  Fourteenth  of  France.  Then  appeared  a  poet,  second  to  none 
of  his  predecessors.  A  philosopher  without  being  wordy,  the  friend  of 
sense  and  of  virtue,  a  gentleman  in  principle,  independent  in  spirit,  and 
fearless  of  enemies,  however  powerful  from  their  malignity  or  formidable 
from  their  rank.  This  extraordinary  man  was  Boileau.  If  I  am  not 
deceived,  there  is  something  in  all  his  compositions  so  finished,  so  rciro- 
ved  from  conceit  and  forced  Lbought ;  such  an  ardent  zeal  for  propriety 
ill  sentiment  and  in  expression;  such  a  sense  of  the  dignity  of  the  human 


C      35      ] 


•.^ 


cfiaractcr,  •when  undebased;   such  a  hatred  of  I.ypocrisy ;   such  a  love  of 
purity ;  such  an  abhorrence  of  all  profaneness  and  indecency,  and  even  of 
indelicacy ;  that  I  am  not  able  to  name  a  man  whose  works  as  a  poet  and 
a  critic,  may  be  read  and  studied  with  equal  advantage.     Even  his  com- 
pliments, though  rather  lofty,  to  Louis  the  Fourteenth  are  all  conceived 
in  the  language  of  a  gentleman  and  a  man  of  genius,  Avho  feels  that  he  is 
conferring  honour  not  receiving  it.    The  majesty  of  the  French  monarch, 
in  that  cultivated  age,  was  surely  as  worthy  of  homage  as  the  deity  of 
the  Roman  Augustus.     To  read  the  works  of  Boilf.au  with  full  advan- 
tage, some  accuracy  of  knowledge,  and  some  insight  into  the  delicacy  of 
the  ancient  French  language  are  required.     I  call  their  language  ancient, 
which  existed  before  the  revolution,  for  I  scarce  understand  the  modern 
democratic  jargon.     Grave  virus  mund'iUas  peptilit.     It  is  also  necessary 
to  have  a  perception  of  the  peculiar  cast  of  the  French  poetry,  and  of  the 
construction  of  the  verse.     An  Allowance  must  he  made  for  the  language 
itself,  which  is  not  poetical  as  contradistinguished  to  prose,  but  forcible, 
terse,  and  well  adapted  to  the  condensation  of  satirical  expression.     As  a 
writer,  I  think  him  original.     What  he  has  borrowed,  he  almost  seems  to 
have  restored  to  its  proper  place.     He  alternately  assumes  the  characters  of 
the  three  great  Romans ;   and  maintains  an  honourable  contest  for  the  mas- 
tery.   Equal  to  either  of  them  taken  singly,and  in  the  merit  of  composition, 
sometimes  their  superior.      He  is  their  true  and  lawful  brother.     There 
is  a  fraternal  league  between  them,  which  no  friend  to  good  literature, 
good  poetrj',  and  good  manners  will  ever  suffer  to  be  broken. 

Nearly  at  the  same  period,  after  some  momentary  gleams  and  strong 
flashes  in  the  horizon.  Satire  arose  in  England-.  When  I  name  Dryden, 
I  comprehend  every  varied  excellence  of  our  poetry.  In  harmony, 
strength,  modulation,  rythm,  energy,  he  first  displayed  the  full  power  of 
the  English  language.  My  business  with  him  at  pres^it,  is  only  as  a 
Satirist.  I  svill  be  brief:  I  speak  to  the  intelligent.  He  was  the  first 
poet  who  brought  to  perfection,  what  I  would  term,  "  the  Allegory  of 
Satire."  Fables  indeed,  and  apologues,  and  romances,  have  always  been 
the  most  ancient  modes  of  reproof  and  censure.  It  was  the  peculiar 
happiness  of  Dryden  to  give  an  eternal  sense  and  interest  to  subjects  which 
are  transitory.  He  placed  his  scene  on  the  ground  of  actual  histoiy-  ; 
The  reader  of  every  age  ha^  an  interest  in  the  delineation  of  character^ 


C     36     ] 

names,  which  have  been  familiar  to  Itim  from  his  earliest  years.  He 
is  already  prepared,  and  feels  a  predilection  for  the  subject.  This  accom- 
modation of  ancient  characters  to  existing  persons  has  a  peculiar  force  in 
the  age  to  which  it  is  addressed;  and  posterity  reads  with  delight  a  poem 
founded  on  pristine  story,  and  illustrated  by  the  records  of  modern  times. 
Dryden's  power  of  Satire  has  been  generally  acknowledged  in  his  Mac- 
Flecknoe;  but  his  master-piece  is  that  wonderful  and  unequalled  perfor- 
mance, Absalom  and  Achitophel.  He  presents  to  us  an  heroic  subject  in 
heroic  numbers,  a  well  constructed  allegory,  and  a  forcible  appeal  to  our 
best  feelings  and  passions.  He  paints  the  horrors  of  anarchy,  sedition, 
rebellion,  and  democracy,  with  the  pencil  of  Dante,  or  of  Michael  Angelo ; 
and  he  gives  the  speeches  of  his  heroes  with  the  strength,  propriety,  and 
correctness  of  Virgil.  It  is  Satire  in  its  highest  form:  but  it  is  Satire 
addressed  to  the  few.  It  is  not  adapted  to  the  general  effect  of  this  spe- 
cies of  poetry.  In  my  opinion,  Dryden  has  not  tlie  style  and  manner  of 
Horace,  or  Juvenal,  or  Persius,  or  Boileau.  Pope  called  him  "  unhappy  " 
from  the  looseness  ©f  the  age  in  which  he  lived.  He  has  enthusiasm, 
majesty,  seriousness,  severity,  gravity,  strength  of  conception,  and  bold- 
ness of  imagery.  But  sprightliness,  gaiety,  and  easy  badinage,  an  occa- 
sional playfulness,  so  necessary  to  the  general  effect  of  satirical  poetry, 
were  all  wanting  to  him.  Perhaps  his  genius  was  too  sublime.  He 
could  not,  or  he  would  not,  descend  to  the  minutiae  which  are  often 
required,  the  anecdotes,  and  the  passing  traits  of  the  time.  His  satire 
had  an  original  character.     It  was  the  strain  of  Archilochus  sounding 

from_the  lyre  of  Alcsns.     ^ ,       (j^f^  f^Ctdt-cM^) 

The  Sixth  and  last  of  this  immortal  Brotherhood,  in  the  fulness  of 
time,  and  in  the  maturity  of  poetical  power,  came  Pope.  All  that  was 
wanting  to  his  illustrious  predecessor  found  its  consummation  in  the 
genius,  knowledge,  correct  sense,  and  condensation  of  thought  and  ex- 
pression, which  distinguished  this  poet.  The  tenour  of  his  life  was 
peculiarly  favourable  to  his  office.  He  had  first  cultivated  all  the  ■ 
flowery  grounds  of  poetry.  He  had  excelled  in  description,  in  pastoral, 
in  the  pathetic,  and  in  general  criticism ;  and  had  given  an  English  ex- 
istence in  perpetuity  to  the  father  of  all  poetry.  Thus  honoured,  and 
with  these  pretensions,  he  left  them  all  for  tliat  excellence,  for  which 
the  maturity  of  his  talents   and  judgment   so  eminently  designed  hin  . 


( 


C     37      ] 

FAmlllar  with  the  great;  intimate  with  tlic  polite;  graced  by  the  atten 
tions  of  the  fair;  admired  by  the  learned;  a  favourite  with  the  nation; 
independent  in  an  acquired  opulence,  the  honourable  product  of  his  genius 
and  industry;  the  companion  of  persons  distinguished  for  birth,  high 
fashion,  rank,  wit,  or  virtue  ;  resident  in  the  centre  of  all  public  infor- 
mation and  intelligence;  every  avenue  to  knowledge  and  every  mode  of 
obstrvation  were  open  to  his  curious,  prying,  piercing,  and  unwearied 
intellect.  His  works  are  so  generally  read  and  studied,  that  I  should 
not  merely  fatigue,  but  I  should  almost  insult  you  by  such  a  needless  dis- 
quisition 


Xs  a  disciple  of  these  great  masters,  and  full  of  that  spirit  which  an 
unbroken  and  an  honourable  intimacy  with  their  works  has  inspired,  I 
now  present  myself  a  votary  at  their  temple ;  and  in  some  measure  clothed 
in  the  robes  of  their  hereditary  priesthood,  1  would  also  enter,  and  offer 
my  oblation  at  the  high  altar  of  my  countiy.  But  if,  unworthy  of  this 
hallowed  investment  and  Interior  ministry,  the  door  of  the  sanctuary  is 
closed  U23on  me ;  I  shall  retire  without  a  murmur,  and  with  devotion 
unimpaired  worship  In  the  vestibule.  You  can  best  judge  of  my  motives, 
who  have  known  most  intimately  the  nature  and  extent  of  my  studies, 
solitary  so  long  in  their  acquirement,  and  now  public  at  last  in  their 
application  and  in  their  end.  With  a  necessary  indulgence  for  all  my 
frailties,  vices,  errors,  follies,  and  imperfections,  and  with  the  partiality 
of  friendship,  you,  and  such  as  you,  may  perhaps  allow  me  to  apply  to 
myself,  with  some  little  variation,  the  words  of  the  most  fervid  poet  of 
antiquity: 

Non  tenues  ignavo  pollice  chordas 
Pulso,  sed  Aurunci  resldens  in  marglne  templi 
Audax  magnorum  tumulis  adcanto  Magistrum. 

I  am,  Stc.  Sec. 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


DIALOGUE  THE  FIRST, 


Audaci  quicunque  afflate  Cratino, 
Iratiim  Eupolidem  prsegrandi  cum  sene  palics 
dspice  et  hxc,  si  forte  aliquid  decoctius  audist 
Inde  vapDrata  lector  mihi  ferveat  aure, 

PERS.  SAT.  r. 


PREFACE 


TO  THE  FIRST  DIALOGUE'' 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


1  H  E  ira.portance  of  the  subject  of  this  Poerrij,  and  the  necessity 
of  such  an  appeal  to  the  kingdem  at  this  timet  are  the  best  reasons  which 
I  can  offer  for  its  publication.  But  in  regard  to  the  various  matters  which 
are  considered  in  the  following  composition,  I  recommend  to  my  readers 
a  passage  from  a  collection  of  the  most  pleasing  and  informing  treatises  in 
natural  philosophy  which  I  ever  read,  or  I  believe  ever  were  written ;  I 
mean  the  Chemical  Essays  by  Dr.  Watson,  the  present  Bishop  of  Landaff;! 
It  is  this;  "  Sir  Isaac  Newton  and  Dr.  Bentley  met  accidentally  in  Lon- 
*'  don,  and  on  Sir  Isaac's  inquiring  what  Philosophical  Pursuits  were  carr)'- 
"  ing  on  at  Cambridge,  the  Doctor  replied,  none ;  for  when  you  go  a- 
*'  hunting.  Sir  Isaac,  you  kill  all  the  game  ;  you  have  left  us  nothing  to 
"  pursue."  "  Not  so,  said  the  philosopher,  you  may  start  a  variety  of 
"  game  in  every  bush,  if  you  will  but  take  the  trouble  to  beat  for  it."  "  And 
"  so  in  truth  it  is,"  (observes  Bishop  Watson)  "  every  object  in  nature 
"  affords  occasion  for  philosophical  experiment."    I  may  add,  that  such  a 

*  First  printed  in  May,  1794.  t  Vol.  4.  p.  25. 

F 


[      42      ] 

State  of  society  and  of  llteraturej  as  the  present,  afForcl?  occasion  for  ru- 
merous  experiments  and  observations,  -without  any  danger  of  mutual 
interference.  • 

In  this  Poem  no  imitation  whatsoever  is  intended  of  any  former  writer, 
or  of  any  former  poem.  It  ivas  -written  upon  no  private  motive  whatsoever ,: 
but  simply  ^"'^  solely  as  the  conduct  of  the  persons  mentioned  or  alluded  to, 
or  the  manner  of  their  compositions,  or  the  principles  of  their  writings,  tend 
to  influence  and  affect  the  learning,  the  government,  the  religion,  the  public 
morality,  the  public  happiness,  and  the  public  security  of  this  nation. 
My  intentions  are  just  and  justifiabk  to  reasonable  men,  who  will 
reflect  on  what  has  passed  and  is  passing  before  them.  We  must  indeed 
be  sensible,  that  it  is  nonv  no  longer  a  mere  sport  of  the  pen,  a  light  skir- 
mish, or  a  random  shaft,  the  Apollinex  bellum  puerile  pharetrx,  which  is 
alone  demanded ;  but  our  weapons  must  be  instruments  of  war,  able  to 
break  down  the  strong  holds  of  anarchy,  impiety  and  rebellion,  and  mighty 
to  vindicate  the  powers  of  legitimate  authority.  In  every  region  of  Eu- 
rope there  should  have  been  a  common  cause.  But  in  no  kingdom, 
except  Great  Britain,  has  that  cause  been  maintained  in  full  integrity. 
While  1  am  writing,  we  are  convulsed  to  our  centre  ;  and  yet  in  the  midst 
of  fear,  we  are  impudently  and  wickedly  told,  there  is  no  cause  of  alarm. 

Talia  dum  celebro,  subitam  civilis  Erlnnys 
Tarpeio  de  monte  facem,  Phlegrxaque  movit 
Prslia  ;  sacrllegis  lucent  Capitolia  ixdis, 
Et  Senoniimf arias  Lcstia  sumpsere  cohortes.* 

We  may  (for  we  can)  all  of  us  contribute  to  the  assistance,  and 
the  comfort,  and  the  good  of  others  and  to  the  stability  of  social  hap- 
piness. The  sword,  the  voice  and  the  pen  must  be  resolutely  and 
decisively  called  into  action,  for  defence,  for  counsel,  for  admo- 
nition, and  for  censure.  Satirical  writings  must  submit  to  the  impu- 
tation of  ill-nature,  though  I  see  no  necessary  connection  between  them. 
In  my  opinion,  Satire  has  nothing  to  do  with  good-nature  or  with  ill-nature. 
Its  office  respects  the  public  good  alone,  and  the  interests  of  the  commu- 
nity.   It  is  frequently  designed  to  supply  the  laws  m  all  cases  which  arc 

*  Statius.  Sylv.  Lib.  5.  Carm.  3 Senones  were  the  Gauls  .,<r  French. 


[      43      ] 

beyond  their  jiirlsdlctton.     From  such  courts  it  appeals  to  perhaps  a  still 
higher  tribunal,,  that  of  public  opinion,  character  and  reputation. 

Such  are  my  ideas;  yet  I  am  sure  I  have  nothing  of  the  Avild  Ameri- 
can in  my  composition;  I  never  wished  to  destroy  any  man,  either  to 
inherit  his  wit  or  plunder  him  of  his  understanding.  But  I  will  bow  to 
no  Cyrill  of  Alexandria,  to  no  executive  director  of  a  modern  republic, 
to  no  lordly  president  of  factious  councils,  of  democratic  delegates,  or  of 
societies  in  open  defiance  of  established  authority  in  regulated  empires. 
There  is  darkness  mixed  with  fire,  and  volumes  of  smoke  are  rolling 
from  the  mouth  of  the  cavern.  I  love  no  atheist  French  Bishops,  nor 
unfrocked  grammarians  in  England.  Home  Tooke  is  still  living,  and 
Edmund  Burke  is  no  more.  Sol  occubuit  !  I  hope  Mr.  Pitt  will 
assure  us  of  the  old  prodigy,  nox  nulla  sccuta  est .'  We  must  now  all  assist 
in  our  various  capacities,  and  feel  and  act  as  public  men.  In  times  like 
these  we  may  assume  a  virtue,  a  character,  a  courage,  and  a  firmnes-s, 
not  originally  our  own.  I  protest  1  have  no  private  animosity  in  my 
nature;  but  I  come  forth  (boldly  enough,  I  will  confess,  but  as  I  ought 
to  do)  in  behalf  of  my  country,  her  literature,  her  laws,  her  religion, 
and  her  government.  Nor  would  I  publish  this  satirical  Poem,  but  from 
afullco7iviction  of  its  tendency  to  promote  the  public  welfare^  in  its  degree 
and  according  to  its  subject,  when  it  is  (if  it  ever  should  be)  studied  and 
considered  with  impartiality. 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE 


A  SATIRICAL  POEM. 


DIALOGUE  THE  FIRST. 


THE  AUTHOR  AND  OCTAVIUS. 


THE   AUTHOR. 


I  WHO  once  deem'd  my  race  of  labour  run, 
And  camps,  and  courts,  and  crowds,  and  senates  shun, 
Still  to  the  public  raise  no  venal  voice, 
In  the  full  freedom  of  a  Briton's  choice. 
Though  tracts  aloft  on  daring  pinions  rove, 
Where'er  by  duty  borne,  or  led  by  love. 
Yet  not  unconscious  of  this  awful  age, 
I  mark  what  new  conflicting  systems  rage. 
Systems  which  laugh  to  scorn  th'  avenging  rod, 
And  hurl  defiance  to  the  throne  of  God  ;  10 

a     First  published  in  May  1-794. 


[     46      ] 

Shake  pestilence  abroad  with  madd'ning  sweep, 
And  grant  no  pause. ...but  everlasting  sleep !  ^ 
Blood-guiltiness  their  crime ;  with  hell  they  cope ; 
No  flesh,  no  spirit  now  must  rest  in  hope, 
But  under  foliage  dark,  and  cypress  gloom. 
The  "^  sculptur'd  mock'ry  marks  and  seals  the  tomb. 

New  lights  on  all,  but  on  the  Poet,  rise ; 
Still  can  he  smile,  and  with  no  murm'ring  sighs 
Can  own  well-pleas'd,  that  iioid  the  meanest  bard, 
Bavius,  ^  or  Maro,  finds  the  same  regard.  20 

b  This  alludes  to  the  French  decree  -which  in  1793  abolished,  by 
latv,  a  futurity  of  existence.  Impiety  and  absurdity  are  the  natural  con- 
sequences of  their  principles. 

c  The  French  have  also  decreed,  that  in  every  church-yard  trees 
shall  be  planted,  and  the  figure  of  sleep  erected  pointing  to  the  tombs ; 
and  this  sleep  they  decreed  to  be  eternal.  N.  B.  This  was  the  fact, 
when  tais  First  Part  of  the  Pursuits  of  Literature  wAsJirst  published  in 
May  1794. — It  may  be  so  again,  or  it  may  be  so  at  this  moment,   1796. 

d  The  name  suggests  the  honourable  mention  of  a  poem  lately  pub- 
lished, under  the  title  of  "Tlie  Baviad,"  or  an  Imitation  of  the  first 
Satire  of  Persius.  ^io:  tibi,  qua  tali  reddam  pro  carmine  dona? — Though 
the  author  professes  to  be  conversant  only  among  the  sheep  folds  at  pre- 
sent, he  threatens  a  descent  upon  the  nobler  and  more  reluctant  animals. 
If  this  be  a  first  production,  the  poet  must  proceed  with  the  consciousness 
of  genius:  he  has  the  ground  work  of  all  excellence,  good  sense,  and  a 
knowledge  of  just  and  harmonious  expression.  He  has  divulged  his  name 
imprudentlj.  Such  compositions  require  secresy  for  tlieir  effect ;  especi- 
ally if  they  are  published  at  an  early  period  of  life,  and  still  more  if  the 
poet  commences  his  career  with  Satire.     Mr.  Pope  suffered  pure  descrip- 


C      47      ] 

Not  as  Maecenas  once  with  partial  ray 

Illum'd  the  rising  glories  of  his  day; 

Whose  orb  the  Mantuan  plains  alone  would  warm, 

Or  beam  propitious  on  the  Sabine  farm. 

OCTAVIUS. 

Why  should  you  write  ?  the  world  is  now  so  fickle 
Scarce  is  there  room  for  Sheridan*^  and  Tickell ;^ 
And  though  in  tone  sonorous,  blithe  or  grand, 
The  loud  Laurentian  s  trumpet  through  the  land 

tion  to  bold  the  place  of  sense  for  a  long  time,  before  he  took  his  proper 
station.  The  author  of  The  Baviad  has  taken  some  pleasant  trouble  off 
my  hands.  The  Albums^  the  Laura-Marias,  the  Jerningharcs,  Antony 
Pasquins,  Mary  Robinsons^  Piozzis  and  Bozzi's;  the  Phillidas,  Hypsipilas., 
vatum  et  plorabile  si  quid.   Unfortunately  there  are  too  many  left.  ( 1 794.) 

e  R.  B.  Sheridan,  Esq.  M.  P.  I  am  sorry  to  say  of  this  extra- 
ordinary man,  that  in  the  realms  of  wit  and  humour  he  is  now  silent. 
"  Unus  sceptra  potitus^  eadem  aliis  sopitu'  quiete  est."  Why  is  it  so? 
Politics  are  transitory ;    wit  is  eternal. 

f  Since  this  was  written,  the  public  has  lost  this  very  Ingenious  man. 
He  was  the  happiest  of  any  occasional  writer  in  his  day :  happy  alike  in 
the  subject  and  in  the  execution  of  it.  I  mention  with  pleasure  Antici- 
pation, the  Wreath  of  Fashion,  Isfc,  is'c.  iSfc.  and  I  wish  to  preserve  the 
name  and  remembrance  of  such  a  man  as  Mr.  Tickell.  Poets  and  inge- 
nious men,  who  write  on  occasional  subjects  with  great  ability,  are  too 
often  lost  in  the  most  undeserved  oblivion.  But  we  must  recollect,  that 
even  such  a  poem  as  "The  Absalom  and  Achitophel"  of  Diyden  himself 
(perhaps  his  greatest  production)  was  but  occasional,  and  vrritten  for  a 
party* 

g  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  remind  the  reader  of  the  political  com- 
position of  the  RoUiad  and  the  Probationary  Odes  by  Dr.  Lczi-rence  and 
Company.     (1794.) 


[      48      ] 

Sound  Pitt,  and  Prettyman,  and  Rose,  and  Rolle, 
With  strength  of  Stentor,  but  Mezentian  soul;    30 
The  Doctor  may  for  Fox  and  Portland  '  vouch, 
With  spectacles  on  nose,  "  but  empty  pouch. 
Why  must  you  seek  this  sad  Cumsean  shore  ? 
Or  why  to  genius  give  one  victim  more? 

AUTHOR. 

Forgive  me:   all  conspire  to  waste  my  time; 
Languor,  and  care,  and  solitude,  and  rhyme: 
Now  while  each  Sage,  to  fame  and  science  known, 
Or  leaves  the  field  of  life,  or  listless  grown, 
Reviews  his  trophies  with  an  idle  pride,  ^ 
Sick  of  the  dunces  rising  at  his  side. 

1  I  kaow  not  for  v,  Ikmii  the  Doctor  will  noiv  vouch;  I  am  not  called 
upon  to  vouch  for  the  Doctor,  (i  796.) 

"  Manners  with  fortunes,  humours  turn  with  climes, 
"  Tenets  with  bo©ks,  anil  principles  with  times." 

ii  Shakspear  says,  "  With  spectacles  on  nose  and  pouch  on  side."  I 
am  contented  simply  to  admire  Doctor  Lawrence's  spectacles,  but  I  Irave 
ventured  to  qualify  bis  pouch — I  wrote  this  in  1794... ..Doctors  Commons 
and  the  House  of  Commons  are  recommended  in  all  the  chronic  cases  of 
the  deadens  crumcna^  and  are  found  to  be  excellent  restoratives.  (1798.) 

k     I  allude  to  such  publications  as,  "  Prose  on  several  Occasions,  ac 
"  companied  hy  some  Pieces  in  Verse.     Bj  George  Colman,   (Senior.")  I 
think,  however,  tliat  it  is  a  provident  wisdom,  in  nu^n  of  ^^Tcat  abilities,  like 
Mr.  Colman,to  collect  and  publish  what  they  wish  to  deliver  to  posterity 
;,is  tbcir  o'Mn.    Posthumous  works  are  rarely  to  be  coui'.diircd  in  ihui  li^ht. 


C      49      ] 

If  I  may  write,  let  Proteus  '  Priestley  tell, 

He  writes  on  all  things,  but  on  nothing  well; 

Who,  as  the  dsemon  of  the  day  decrees, 
Air,  books,  or  water  makes  with  equal  ease. 

May  not  I  strive  amid  this  motley  throng. 

All  pale  and  pensive  as  I  muse  along? 

1  Proteus  Priestley. ...There  is  one  very  material  difference  between 
this  Proteus  and  his  namesake  of  antiquity.  Of  the  latter  it  is  recorded, 
Sine  vi  non  ulla  dabit  prxcepta;*  now  our  Proteus  gives  precept  upon  pre- 
cept^ line  upon  line;  here  a  little  and  there  a  little ;  and  is  continually 
obtruding  his  oracles  upon  the  public,  without  any  compulsion  at  all,  upon 
every  subject  which  can,  or  which  cannot  be  known.  I  believe  that  Dr. 
Priestley  would  dispute  very  intelligibly  upon  the  famous  Germanic  ques- 
tion, "  Utrum  Chimcera  bombinans  in  vacuo  possit  comedere  secundas 
intentiones."  As  to  Dr.  Priestley's  King-killing  wishes  and  opinions  take 
a  few  words:  It  is  to  be  regretted,  that  the  situation  of  things 
was  such,  that  the  sentence  ("of  death  on  Charles  the  First)  could 
not  be  passed  by  the  whole  nation  or  their  representatives, 
soletmily  assembled  ybr  that  purpose."  Priestley  on  Government,  p.  39. 
Are  the  words  and  the  meaning  plain?  How  must  this  Reverend  Deputy 
elect  to  the  National  Convention  of  France  have  exulted  on  the  21st  of 
January  1793  1 !  1  The  Deputy,  however,  had  the  wisdom  of  the  serpent  in 
not  taking  his  seat,  though  he  could  not  assume  the  innocenee  of  the 
dove.  The  late  Mr.  Gibbon  well  understood  Dr.  Priestley's  character 
and  opinions,  and  expressed  himself  strongly  on  that  subject.  No  man 
bf  discernment  can  see  their  direct  tendency  but  with  reprobation,  and 
sometimes  not  without  fear  and  horror!  (1794.). ...Lord  Sheffield  has 
lately  published  the  correspondence  between  Mr.  G.  and  Dr.  P.  in  the 
first  volume  of  Mr.  Gibbon's  Posthumous  Works,  4to.  These  letters 
are  not  unworthy  of  attention.  (1796.) 


*  Virg.  Georg.  L.  4. 
6 


C     50     ] 

OCTAVIUS. 

Say,  would  your  thought  to  Homer's  pomp  aspire, 
Or  wake  to  loftiest  rapture  Pindar's  "^  lyre? 


m  Pinchv's  lyre... .In  this  verse  I  speak  of  the  great  Tbeban:  but 
there  is  an  obscure  person,  stiling  himself  Peter  Pindar,  of  whom  I 
shall  say  a  few  words.  This  man  certainly  possesses  a  mind  by  no  means 
uninformed,  and  a  species  of  humour;  but  it  is  exhausted  by  a  repetition  of 
the  same  manner,  and  nearly  the  saine  ideas,  even  to  disgust.  He  has 
the  power  of  rhyming  ludicrously,  and  is  sometimes  even  gifted  with 
poetry;  and  finally,  he  is  puffed  up  with  a  vanity  and  self-conceited  impor- 
tance, almost  without  a  parallel.  This  obscure  man  has  contrived,  by 
these  qualifications,  to  thrust  himself  upon  the  public  notice,  and  become 
the  scorn  of  every  man  of  character  and  of  virtue.  Such  is  the  blasphemy, 
such  is  the  impiety,  the  obscenity,  the  impudence  and  the  contempt  of  all 
decent  respect,  which  pervade  his  munerous  pamphlets  in  verse,  that  the 
reader  is  ill  repaid  by  the  lively  sallies  of  humour  which  frequently  ani- 
mate this  mass  of  crudities.  1  form  my  judgment  yro?n  bis  works,  and 
not  from  any  acquaintance  whatever  with  the  man,  Yet  I  hear  that  he 
breathes  a  warm  constitutional  spirit,  because,  forsooth,  he  has  told  us  in 
some  trumpery  ode,  of  the  necessity  of  a  king,  or  a  log,  or  a  nail ;  after  he 
has  perpetually  reviled  and  held  up  to  scorn  every  master  principle  by 
which  government  and  society  are  maintained.  I  will  not  waste  a  verse 
on  such  a  character;  but  say  honestly  and  plainly,  that  though  I  can  often 
smile  and  sometimes  be  pleased  with  the  humour  and  the  manner,  yet  I 
think  I  perceive  such  a  rooted  depravity  and  malignity  of  heart,  thatyro?« 
the  consideration  of  his  nvorks,  I  can  affirm  almost  unequivocally  of  this 
obscure  man,  in  the  words  of  the  severest  writer  of  antiquity, 
Stupet  hie  vitio,  et  fibris  increvit  oplmum 
Pingue,  caret  culpa,  nescit  quid  perdat,  et  alto 
Demersus,  summa  rursum  non  bulllt  in  unda.* 
N.  B.  This  man's  works  (now  published)  amount  in  value  to  above 
four  guineas  i  but  we  are  informed  that  a  set  may  be  had  for  two  gui- 

*  Pers.  Sat.  3.  v.  32. 


i:  51  ] 

Go  then  and  view,  since  clos'd  his  cloister'd  day, 
The  self-supported  melancholy  Gray:" 
Dark  was  his  morn  of  life,  and  bleak  the  spring, 
Without  one  fost'ring  ray  from  Britain's  king. "" 
Granta's  dull  abbots  cast  a  side-long  glance, 
And  Levite  gownsmen  hugg'd  their  ignorance. 
With  his  high  spirit  strove  the  master  bard, 
And  was  his  own  exceeding  great  reward;  ° 
Years  without  hope  in  tardy  progress  pass, 
'Till  some  few  grains  yet  ling'ring  in  his  glass, 
He  rose  late-headed  by  patrician  care,  p  59 

Though  private  friendship  help'd  him  to  the  chair. 

NEAS   AND   A   HALF   IN   QUARTO,    Or  for  TWO  GUINEAS   ill  four    VolumeS 

octavo  IJ J... .'Wha.t  an  inducement  to  a  purchaser  !  (1794). ...Posterity  (if 
it  can  be  supposed  that  such  trash  should  exist)  will  be  astonished,  that 
the  present  age  could  look  with  patience  on  such  malignant  ribaldry.  I 
am  very  sorry,  that  Mr.  Roscoe  in  his  admirable  life  of  Lorenzo  de  Me- 
dici, and  The  British  Critic,  (I  suppose  inadvertently)  should  give  any 
portion  of  it  the  slightest  approbation.  For  shame  !  Hon  hxc  in  fxdera  I 
(1796.) 

n    This  character  of  Mr.  Gray  is  drawn  from  the  consideration  of  his 
Memoirs  and  Letters,  published  by  Mr.  Mason. 

nn  If  I  have  read  Mr.  Gray's  Letters  rightly,  T  believe  he  neither 
sought  nor  wished  for  royal  favour.  I  wish  however,  that  it  had  been 
offered  to  the  first  poet  and  the  first  scholar  of  the  age. 

o     "I  am  thy  exceeding  great  reward."     Genesis,  chap.  xv.  ver.  i. 

p  Ke  was  appointed  Professor  of  3Iodern  History  in  the  University 
of  Cambridge,  late  in  life,  by  the  Duke  of  Grafton  the  Chancellor,  at 


C      52     ] 

Saw  you  not  Mason  stand  with  down-cast  eye, 
While  great  Augustus  pass'd  unconscious  by  ?  p^* 
'Till  wrapt  in  terrors  of  avenging  night, 
He  starts  Macgreggor  "^  with  dilated  might, 

Have  you  not  seen  neglected  Penrose  ''  bloom, 
Then  sink  unhonour'd  in  a  village  tomb? 


the   particular  recommendation   (as   it  was  stron^'ly  beliered)    of  Mr. 
Stone  HF.wER. 

pp  The  discernment  of  his  Majesty  Gkouge  the  Third  in  poeti- 
cal mgrjt,  is  acknowledged  in  the  patronage  of  Dr.  Beattie,  author  of  The 
Minstrel,  and  of  Mr.  Cowper,  author  of  The  Task.  Mr.  Mason  must 
have  been  overlooked  for  a  particular  reason,  1  shrewdly  suspect  that 
Mr.  Stonehewer  (the  common  friend  of  Mr.  Gray  and  Mr.  Mason)  could 
account  {or  h.  (1794.) 

q  Sec  the  Heroic  Epistle  to  Sir  William  Chambers,  Snd  the  Heroic 
Postscript  to  the  Public,  by  Malcolm  Macgreggor,  Esq.  A  friend  of 
mine  has  assured  me  that  I  am  wrong  in  this  conjecture ;  and  I  must  own 
that  the  Epistle  to  Sbebbeare,  and  the  Dean  and  the  Squire,  attributed  to 
the  same  author,  have  somewhat  diminished,  but  not  destroyed.,  my  con- 
fidence in  its  probability.*  The  abilities  of  great  men  are  generally  ver- 
satile. But  as  I  have  written  the  lines,  they  shall  continue  to  stand  as  a 
tribute  of  gratitude  to  a  man,  from  whose  acknowledged  poetry  I  confess 
myself  to  have  received  much  delight.  The  strains  of  Musaius  and  the 
Druid  minstrells  have  still  their  charms,  and  he  must  have  cold  feelings 
who  cannot  be  moved  by  the  simplicity  of  Elfrida.  The  English  Garden^ 
though  with  a  few  faults,  deserves  the  thanks  of  every  admirer  of  our 
national  taste.  (1794.)  See  the  Fourth  Dialogue  of  the  P.  of  L.  (1798.) 

r  See  the  Flights  of  Fancy,  4to,  by  Thomas  Penrose,  curate  of 
Newburv,  Berks.     The  names  of  the  poems  alluded  to  are  these,  The  Hcl- 

*  The  papers  of  the  late  Lord  Orford,  (Horace  Walpole)  may  possi- 
biythrow  some  light  on  this  subject.    (1798.) 


[      53     ] 

Content  a  Curate's  humble  path  he  trod, 
Now,  with  the  poor  in  spirit,  rests  with  God. 
To  worth  untitled  would  your  fancy  turn? 
The  Muse  all  friendless  wept  o'er  Mickle's  urn :  70 
Mickle,  ^  who  bade  the  strong  poetic  tide 
Roll  o'er  Britannia's  shores  in  Lusitanian  pride. 

AUTHOR. 

Then  I  must  suit  the  temper  of  these  times, 
Degraded  now  to  mere  historic  rhymes; 
And  last  be  hail'd  in  some  sagacious  page, 
The  finest,  brightest  poet  of  the  age, 
And  that  with  grave  solemnity  so  sad. 
Faith,  'tis  enough  to  make  poor  Hayley  ^  mad. 
No  :  though  in  vain  I  may  attempt  to  please, 
I'll  write  with  learning  what  I  think  with  ease.   80 

mets,  The  Carousal  of  Odin,  and  Madness. — He  published  these  himself^ 
and  no  more;  and  I  speak  of  these.  No  author  should  be  judged  for 
posthumous  works,  published  by  friends^  except  he  ordered  them  to  be 
published  after  his  decease.  ''^ 

s     William  Julius  Mickle,  a  man  of  genius,  and  of  great  poet-  \ 
ical  powers.     He  translated  the  Lusiad  of  Camoens  in  a  free  paraphrastic     ; 
manner,  but  with  the  spirit  of  an  original  poet.     I  never  could  account     \ 
for  the  neglect  of  so  very  poetical  a  work.  t 

t     Hayley. — Piger  scribendi  ferre  laborem,  | 

Scribendi  recte^  nam  ut  multiim  nil  moror.*  '■■■ 

*   Hor.  I.  L.  1.  Sat.  4.  V.  12.  / 


C      54     ] 

What?.... from  the  Muse,  by  cryptogamic  steahh  ^ 


Must  I  purloin  her  native  sterUng  weahh 


The  notes  whicli  Mr.  Haylcy,  who  is  a  very  ingenious  man  and  a  pleas- 
ing scholar,  has  written  on  his  various  poems  are  very  amusing,  and  not 
xmfrequently  afford  much  instruction.  Had  he  but  learned  the  art  of 
blotting,  he  might  possibly  have  attained  considerable  eminence,  and 
preserved  \t.  But  as  he  is  in  general  too  feeble,  tedious,  and  insufferably 
prolix,  (ime  boutique  dc  verbiage  J  consequently,  See.  See.  See  Horace, 
who  has  pronounced  an  irreversible  sentence  on  all  such  persons  stiling 
themselves  poets,  however  voluminous  their  works  may  be. 

V  See  the  Botanic  Garden  and  the  Loves  of  the  Plants^  by  Dr.  Dar- 
win. 1  wish  men  would  peruse  the  treatise  de  Causis  Corrupts  Eloquen- 
tia,*  before  they  attempt  by  prcttinesses,  glittei  ing  words,  points,  con- 
ceits, and  forced  thoughts,  to  sacrifice  propriety  and  just  imagery  to  the 
rage  of  mere  novelty.  This  will  always  be  the  case,  when  writers  in 
prose,  or  verse  (if  I  may  be  allowed  to  use  Sancho's  phrase  a  little  meta- 
phorically) "  want  better  bread  than  is  made  of  wheat."  Modern  ears 
are  absolutely  debauched  by  such  poetry  as  Dr.  Darwin's,  which  marks 
the  decline  of  simplicity  and  true  taste  in  this  country.  It  is  to  England, 
what  Seneca's  prose  was  to  Rome.  Abundat  dukibus  vitiis,-f  Dryden 
and  Pope  are  the  standards  of  excellence  in  this  species  of  writing  in  our 
language ;  and  when  young  minds  are  rightly  instituted  in  their  works, 
they  may,  Avitliout  much  danger,  read  such  glittering  verses  as  Dr.  Dar- 
win's. Tliey  will  then  perceive  the  distortion  of  the  sentiment,  and  the 
harlotry  of  the  ornaments.  It  would  also  be  a  happy  thing  for  all  natural- 
ists, whether  poets  or  writers  in  prose,  if  they  would  in  the  words  of  a 
true  poet,  "Lock  through  nature  up  to  A'ature's  God!"  Dr.  Darwin  is 
certainly  a  man  of  great  fancy;  but  I  v/iU  not  cease  to  repeat,  that  good 
writing  and  good  poetry  require  something  more. 

*  Printed  at  the  end  of  Tacitus,  under  the  title  "  Dlalogus  de  Ora- 
"  toribus,"  one  of  the  most  finished  treatises  of  antiquity, 
t  OninLll.  lib.  lo.  c.  i. 


[      55     ] 

In  filmy,  gawzy,  gossamery  lines, 

With  lucid  language,  and  most  dark  designs, 

In  sweet  tetratidryafi,  monogynicm  strains, 

Pant  for  a  pystill  in  botanic  pains ; 

On  the  luxurious  lap  of  Flora  thrown, 

On  beds  of  yielding  vegetable  down. 

Raise  lust  in  pinks ;  and  with  unhallow'd  fire 

Bid  the  soft  virgin  violet  expire?^  90 

Is  it  for  me  to  creep,  or  soar,  or  doze, 
In  modish  song,   or  fashionable  prose  ?^ 
To  pen  with  garreteers  obscure  and  shabby, 
Inscriptive  nonsense  in  a  fancied  Abbey;* 
Or  some  Warkworthian  hermit  tale  indite, 
Such  ditties  as  our  gossip  spinsters  write? 

X  I  would  just  hint  that  it  is  a  matter  of  some  curiosity  to  me  t-o 
conceive,  how  young  ladies  are  instructed  in  the  terms  of  botany,  which 
are  very  significant. 

y  I  alkide  to  the  poising  of  sentences,  their  triads,  and  other  arti- 
■ficial  divisions  of  modern  prose,  by  which  the  whole  simplicity  and  natu« 
ral  dignity  of  our  English  style  is  abandoned  and  lost- 

z  Such  trash  as  a  vile  pamphlet  called  Kilkhampton  Abbey,  (Jfc.  Isfc, 
'i3^c.  in  short,  the  whole  mugitus  labyrintbi. — Every  age  produces  similar 
trash,  and  this  name  serves  as  well  as  any  other  to  marit  my  meaning  in 
this  place. 


C      56      ] 

Or  must  I  tempt  some  Novel's  lulling  theme, 
Bid  the  bright  eye  o'er  Celestina  ^^  stream; 

zz  Put  for  almost  any  modern  novel.  Mrs.  Charlotte  Smith,  Mrs. 
Inchbald,  Mrs.  Mary  Robinson,  Mrs.  Sec.  8cc.  though  all  of  them  arc 
very  ingenious  ladles,  yet  they  are  too  frequently  luhining  or  frisking  la 
novels,  till  our  girls'  heads  turn  wild  with  impossible  adventures,  and 
now  and  then  are  tainted  with  democracy. ...Not  so  the  mighty  magician 
of  THE  Mysteries  or  Uuolpho,*  bred  and  nourished  by  the  Floren- 
tine Muses  in  their  sacred  solitary  caverns,  amid  the  paler  shrines  of 
Gothic  superstition,  and  in  all  the  dreariness  of  inchantment:  a  poetess 
"W'hom  Arlosto  would  with  rapture  have  acknowledged,  as  the 

La  nudrlta 
Damigella  Trivulzla  al  sacro  speco.     O.  F.  c.  46.     (1796.) 
I  would  say  a  word  on  Romances  or  novels.     No  man  of  genius  or 
judgment  ever  despised  or  neglected  the  great  masters  in  this  useful  and 
alluring  species  of  writing,  beginning  with  the  Odyssey  of  Homer.     No 
works  can  be   read  with  more   delight   and   advantage,  when   they   are 
selected  with  discrimination.      They  animate  and   improve   the  mind. 
Every  person  should  be  well  acquainted  with  the  whole  of  Cervantes,  of 
Le  Sage's  unequalled  and  unrivalled  Gil  Bias,   and  of  Tom  Jones,  (that 
great  comic  Epic  poem)  by  Fielding.     These  perhaps  are  all,  which  it 
is  necessary  to  read.     They  afford  illustration   to   every  event  of  life. 
From  these,  with  great  caution,  we  must  pass  to  later  writers.     Smollet 
had   much  penetration,  but  is  frequently  too  vulgar  to   please;  but   his 
knowledge  of  men  and  manners  is  unquestionable.     Of  Sterne  and  Rous- 
seau it  is  difficult  to  speak  without  being  misunderstood ;  yet  it  is  impos- 
sible to  deny  the  praise  of  wit  and  originality  to  Yorick,  or  of  captivating 
eloquence  to  the  philosopher  of  vanity.     Their  imitators  are  below  notic*. 
I  never  read  the  Eloisa  without  the  pathetic  exclamation  of  Dante. 
Per  piu  flute  gH  occhi  ci  sospinse 
Quella  lettura,  et  scolorocci  11  viso ; 

*  Mrs.  Anne  Radcliffk. 


[     57     ] 

With  fabled  knights,  and  tales  of  slighted  love, 
Such  as  our  Spanish  Cato^  might  approve?     100 

Ma  solo  un  punto  fu^  quel  che  ci  vhxse. 
Qti^ando  leggemmo,  comincial,  Ahi  lasso, 
§uanti  dolci  pensier,  quanta  desio 
Meno  costoro  al  dolorosa  passo  I* 

The  Eloisa  is  a  very  dangerous  book,  in  its  commencement,  and  I  would 
particularly  warn  young  persons  to  avoid  it.  But  as  it  is  now  beyond 
the  reach  of  <3?rj' control,  and  as  the  character  of  the  author  is  now  fully 
understood,  its  power  of  doing  harm  is  considerably  diminished.  But  to 
extract  good  out  of  evil,  I  must  observe,  it  is  some  comfor^lfeo  think, 
that,  (as  the  book  is  so  much  read  and  cannot  be  suppressed,)  the  result 
from  the  perusal  of  the  inhale  taken  together  is  this,  namely  that  perpetual 
uneasiness,  disquietude,  and  irreversible  misery,  are  the  certain  conse- 
quences of  vice  or  of  fatal  misconduct  in  any  woman  however  gifted,  or,  as 
it  appears,  however  reclaimed.  It  is  difficult,  I  think  impossible,  to  deny 
or  disprove  this;  but  I  still  wish  the  novel  had  never  been  written. 
Let  us  tlien  turn  to  Clarissa,  the  work  of  a  man  of  virtue  and  genius, 
which  is  too  celebrated  for  any  additional  praise.  Mrs.  Charlotte  Smith 
has  great  poetical  powers,  and  a  pathos  which  commands  attention. 
Much  knowledge  of  life  and  ingenuity  are  seen  in  Miss  Burney,  now 
Mrs.  D'Arblay;  but  her  propensity  to  high  colouring  and  broad  farce 
have  lessened  the  effect  of  her  works.  It  is  a  fatal  error  in  this  species 
of  -writing  to  overstep  the  boundaries  of  nature  and  real  life.  I  cannot 
descend  among   all  the  modern  farrago  of  novels,   which    are    too   often 

"  receipts  to  make s."     Yet  I  could  select  a  few,  which  have  merit, 

with  great  pleasure,  if  it  were  not  foreign  to  my  purpose  to  enlarge  on 
this  topic.  I  cannot  however  refrain  from  giving  a  just  and  sensible 
observation  from  the  latest  writer  on  this  subject,  in  his  view  of  Ro- 
mance ;t  an   Essay  composed  rather  hastily,   and  perhaps   inaccurately. 


*  Dant.  Inf.  c.  t   Prefixed  to    Dr.  Moore's  Edition  of  Smollet's 

works  in  1797.     page  92. 


C      58      ] 

I    In  Travels  for  the  Heart/  and  not  the  head, 
Irom  post  to  pillar,  and  from  board  to  bed, 
Through  climes  of  various  woe  the  pilgrim  lead, 
Till  Charlotte  droops,  and  master  misses  bleed. 

OCTAVIUS. 

If  these  disgust,  to  serious  cares  attend. 
And  make  serene  Philosophy  your  friend. 
Pen  ii^e  choice  Fragment''  in  the  genuine  taste, 
Each  pow'r  combin'd  of  wit  and  learning  waste; 


but  with  all  the  power  of  pleasing  and  happy  facility  of  wiiting  so  con- 
spicuous throughout  his  works.  Dr.  Moore  thus  expresses  himself: 
"  Modern  romances  and  novels  are,  or  ought  to  be,  a  representation  of 
"  life  and  manners  in  the  country  where  the  scene  is  placed.  Had  works 
"  of  this  nature  existed  in  the  flourishing  ages  of  the  Greek  and  Roman 
"  Republics,  and  had  some  of  the  best  of  them  been  preserved,  liow 
"  infinitely  would  they  be  relished  at  present!  as  they  would  give  a  much 
"  more  satisfactory  picture  of  private  and  domestic  life  than  is  found  in 
"  history,  which  dwells  chiefly  on  war  and  affairs  of  state."     (1798.) 

a  The  late  venerable  Earl  Camden  (once  Lord  High  Chancellor  of 
England,  a  character  of  dignity,  ability,  learning  and  independence,)  is 
said  to  have  learned  Spanish  very  late  in  life,  to  read  the  romances  in 
that  language,  having  exhausted  those  written  in  English,  French  and 
Italian.  All  the  world  knows  that  Cato  learned  Greek,  at  sixty  years  of 
age,  to  read  the  romances  In  that  tongue. 

b  All  such  works  as  abound  in  what  is  called  in  modern  jargon, 
The  sublime  instinct  of  sentiment. 

c  Alluding  to  tl'.e  swarm  of  free  thinking  and  democratical  pam- 
phlets with  which  the  public  have  been  pestered.     It  is  hoped  that  the 


C      59     ] 

Smart  and  concise,  with  deepest  meaning  fraught, 
Neat  be  the  types,  and  the  vignettes  high  wrought; 

interference  of  the  legislature  and  the  constitutional  exertions  of  private  i, 
societies  have  either  lessened  their  number,  or  deprived  them  of  their 
malignant  intentions.  The  time  for  discrimination  seems  to  be  come. 
Toleration  is  fully  granted  to  all  opinions,  subject  to  the  control  of  the 
legislature  after  their  publication,  in  the  open  courts  of  law  by  the  verdict 
of  a  jury,  in  which  true  liberty  consists.  Good  order  and  just  authority 
must  be  maintained  with  vigour  and  decision. 

But  HE  is  chiefly  to  be  consulted,  who,  if  I  may  be  allowed  to  use  the 
language  a  little  metaphorically,  hath  stood  between  the  dead  and  tbe  liv- 
ing, 2l\\^  stayed  the  plague,  Edmund  Burke;  greater  and  brighter  in 
the  decline  than  in  the  noon  day  of  his  life  and  vigour.    It  would  be  almost      * 
an  injury  to  name  tlie  works  whereof  all  Europe  rings;   but  to  his   coun-     j 
trymen  they  speak  with  a  force  not  to  be  resisted.  ,  ' 

OMNES 

Admonet,  et  magna  testa tur  voce  per  umbras, 

DlSCIfE   yUSflflAM  MONiri,    Et  NON  fEMNERE  VIVOS.       (1794) 

Indeed  on  a  second  consideration  I  think  it  right  to  name  these  works  "" 
of  Mr.  Burke,  i.  Reflections  on  the  Revolution  in  France,  and  on  the 
proceedings  in  certain  societies  in  London  relative  to  that  event  (1790) 
2.  A  Letter  to  a  member  of  the  National  assembly  (1791.)  3.  An  Ap- 
peal from  the  New  to  the  Old  Whigs  in  consequence  of  some  discussions 
in  Parliamant  relative  to  the  reflections  on  the  French  Revolution  (1791.) 
4.  A  Letter  on  the  Attack  made  on  him  in  the  H.  of  L.  by  the  Duke  of 
Bedford  and  the  Earl  of  Lauderdale  (1796.)  5.  Two  Letters  on  the  pro- 
posals for  Peace  with  the  Regicide  Directory  of  France  (1796.)  6. 
(Posthumous  in  1797,)  Letters  on  the  Conduct  of  our  domestic  Parties  .< 
with  regard  to  French  Politics,  including  observations  on  the  Conduct  of 
the  Minority  in  the  Session  of  1793.      7.  Memorials  on  French  affairs, 

1 79 1,  '92,  and  '93 N.  B.  Tbe  remainder  of  Mr.  Burke's  posthumous 

writings  may  be  expected  from  the  exemplary  zeal  and  honourable  atten- 
tion of  his  executors.  Dr.  Laurence  and  Dr.  King.     "  Sunt  adhuc  curx 


[      60      ] 

With  frontispiece  to  catch  the  gazer's  eye,       111 
Treason,  the  pile;  the  basis  blasphemy;" 
Free  from  dull  order,  decency,  and  rule. 
With  dogmas  fresh  from  the  Sans  Souci  school; 
With  definitions  vague  and  terms  mysterious. 
Seeming  humility,  but  tone  imperious. 
Mankind's  meek  friend,  and  Nature's  gentle  Sage, 
The  Priest  of  Reason  in  her  chosen  age  \^ 


"  hoininibus  fides  et  ofiicium  ;  sunt  quidefunctorumquociue  amicos  again." 
Plin.  Ep.  (1797.).. ...Whoever  v.arns  the  living  against  a  mortal  distem- 
per, or  shews  the  cause  of  it,  and  the  mode  of  prevention,  and  the  final 
remedy,  may  be  said  to  stand  as  a  guardian  angel,  between  the  dead  and 
the  living.  In  this  sense,  Edmund  Burke  stayed  the  plague,  by  his 
masterly,  vigorous,  and  formidable  exposure,  to  the  kingdoms  of  Great 
Britain  and  Ireland,  of  the  modern  French  principles  and  national  desola- 
tion, in  all  the  fulness  of  their  deformity,  and  in  the  terrors  of  their  opera- 
tion. The  spear  of  Ithuriel  discovered  and  displayed  Satan  in  his  proper 
shape. 

cc  T-jf  basis,  blasphemy... .Th\%  is  the  progress  of  modern  Republi- 
canism. The  disso'.iuion  or  rejection  of  o// religious  principle  prepares 
the  mind  for  breaking  every  bond  of  established  government,  however 
just  or  reasonable,  to  introduce  into  practice  some  new  theory  of  general 
good  :  so  very  general,  as  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  good  of  the 
individual.  For  the  nature  of  this  general  good  consult  the  national 
Assembly  and  Convention  of  France:  "  Agri,  edificia,  locn,  possessiones, 
"  ('•«'«,«  et  mire  preterm' serant,  catera  complexi  sunt)  publice'  data^ 
"  ASSIGN  ATA,  -cend'.ta  .'"  Cic.  de  Leg.  Agr.  Orat.  3..,.Mlrabeau  began 
•with  these  memorable  words  :  "  Si  vous  voulez  une  Revolution,  il  faut 
commtncer  par  decatholiciser  la  France." 

d     One  of  the  most  extraordinary  treatises  of  this  kind,  is  a  work 
in  French,    intltlcd,  «  The  Ruins:  or  a  Meditation  on  the  Revolution  of 


[      Gl      ] 

Then  bending  low,  with  equal  reverence  search 
The  storied  portico,  and  sainted  church,  120 

"  Empires  by  Mr.  Volnev,  Deputy  to  the  National  Assembly  in  1789." 
It  is  written  with  some  spirit,  and  not  without  eloquence  in  some  parts, 
and  abounds  with  what  is  now  called  Philosophy.  The  intent  of  this  book 
is  to  attack  every  principle  of  religion  in  the  heart,  even  the  principles  of 
the  religion  now  termed  natural.  Mr.  Volney  wishes  to  convince  man- 
kind, that  every  pretence  to  revelation,  in  every  age  and  in  every  country, 
is  equally  false  and  equally  unfounded ;  and  by  a  jargon  of  language,  and 
antiquity,  and  mythology,  and  pliilosophy,  he  labours  to  confound  and 
blend  them  all  in  uncertain  tradition  and  astronomical  allusions.  And 
all  this  is  attempted  to  be  done,  that  the  world  may  be  prepared  for  the 
French  Revolution,  and  the  principles  on  which  it  was  effected.  In  this 
point  he  seems  to  act  not  without  reason,  as  the  principles  of  this  revolu- 
tion are  laid  in  the  rejection  of  all  religion,  and  were  so/rcm  the  very 
Beginning  of  it;  though  we  may  be  surprised  when  we  are  assured,  that 
it  is  "  ^n  age  of  deliverance  for  a  great  people  and  of  hope  for 
ALL  THE  EARTH  !1"  p.  88.*  The  real  ignorance  of  this  man,  on  the 
subject  of  true  religion,  is  as  conspicuous  as  the  puny  literature  which 
appears  to  support  his  strange  doctrines  and  foolish  opinions.  Upon  the 
subject  of  what  he  calls  the  Filiation  of  religions,  (for  the  French  must 
have  their  new  jargon  of  Avords  in  every  subject)  he  says,  "  We  acknow- 
"  ledge  in  one  word,  that  all  the  theological  doctrines  on  the  origin  of  the 
"  world,  on  the  nature  of  God,  on  the  revelation  of  his  laws,  and  the 
"  appearance  of  his  person,  are  nothing  more  than  recitals  of  astronomical 
'■^  facts,  and  figurative  and  emblematical  stjries  of  the  play  of  the  constel- 
lations.'.'I"  (du  jeu  des  constellations.)  p.  167.  I  cannot  but  acknow-  ' 
ledge  the  superstition  and  credulity  of  mankind  in  many  parts  of  the  ? 
world;  but  what  Mr.  Volney  would  impose  upon  us,  for  the  truth,  exceeds 
the  bounds  of  any  credulity  »ver  yet  required.  Then  he  introduces  the  - 
systems  of  idolatry,  the  worship  of  the  stars,  the  two  principles  of  dualism    | 


I 


*  I  refer  to  the  pages  of  the  French  original. 


[     62     ] 

Till,  wheedling  round  with  metaphysic  art, 
You  steal  Religion  from  the  unguarded  heart, 
And  in  the  see-saw  undulating  play, 
The  moral  chorus  dies  in  words  away. 

\  (a  little  more  French  jarg-on)  the  monde  anime  and  the  monde  machine^ 
Mose?,  Zoroaster,  Confucius,  and  Brama:  and  last  comes  Cbristianity.  The 
chapter  on  this  subject  is  the  strangest  of  all,  for  he  declares  that  chris- 
tian itt  consists  in  the  allegorical  tvorship  of  the  Sun  under  the  cabalis- 

I  tical  names  of  Cbris-en,  or  Tes-iis  or  Jesus. 'L'  "  Christianisme  ou  culte 
"  allegorique  du  Soleil,  sous  les  noms  cabalistiques  de  Chris-en  ou  Yes-us 
"  cu  Jesus.'.'!"     And  this  is   a  formidable  opponent!  this  is  one  of  the . 

,  guides  to  whom  we  are  to  give  up  our  prejudices!  Ptead  any  one  of  the 
four  Evangelists  and  give  your  answer.  The  impudence  of  Mr.  Volney 
is  at  least  tqjal  to  any  other  power  he  possesses,  for  he  requires  of  his  reader 
only  the  surrender  of  his  common  sense,  and  common  understanding,  and 
the  com.mon  principles  of  ary  knowledge.  Yet  he  demands  the  admis- 
sion of  all  his  allegories  and  mystical  meanings,  (of  which,  in  the  true 
French  stile,  no  doubt  is  to  he  entertainsd,)  and  then  the  world  is  to  be 
emancipated  and  delivered.  From  what? — From  credulity  and  supersti- 
tion. Q^E.  D.  Upon  this  Mr.  Vohiey  observes,  the  priests  nmrmur.  I 
think  the  laity  will  at  least  do  as  much,  at  the  words  of  this  apostle  of 
nonsense,  blasphemy,  folly,  and — the  rights  of  mankind,  v/hich  tlie  French 
never  fail  to  Introduce,  when  they  have  laid  them  all  prostrate,  civil, 
moral  and  mental.  This  is  but  a  specimen  of  such  writers  to  whom  we 
are  to  bow  as  the  deliverers  of  mankind  from  superstition,  and  the  direc- 
tors of  our  minds  in  the  ways  of  truth.  Professing  themsehes  nvise  they 
are  become  fools!-^Thehes,t  men  are  indeed  convinced,  that  the  ways  and 
works  of  Providence  are  Inscrutable,  and  the  nature  of  God  incompre- 
hensible ;  and  they  lament  their  own  insufEciency.  Yet  they  feel  them- 
selves bound  by  the  laws  of  reasoning',  and  of  the  specific  evidence  in 
every  great  question  divine  and  human.  They  are  best  prepared  to  ac- 
knowledge the  depth  and  height  of  eternal  v/isdom  and  mercy,  and  the 


C      63      ] 

Thence  careless  saunt'ring  in  Vacuna's  vale, 
Tune  to  your  listless  lyre  some  crazy  tale;' 
Dash  for  applause,  nor  seek  a  poet's  name. 
Content  with  scribbling  and  ambiguous  fame. 
From  laws  of  metre  free  (which  idly  serve 
To  curb  strong  genius  and  its  swelling  nerve,)  130 
In  verse  half  veil'd  raise  titillating  lust, 
Like  girls  that  deck  with  flowers  Priapus'  bust.  ^ 

difficulties  of  attaining  to  this  knowledge.  They  assent  to  the  words  of  '? 
a  man  of  no  vulgar  erudition*  or  mediocrity  of  talents,  v/hen  he  declares,  | 
"  Quantis  suspiriis  et  gemitibus  fiat,  ut  quantulacunqtie  ex  parte  possit  "'. 
"  intelligi  Z)£6'S.'".... Before  I  close  this  note,  I  cannot  help  remindiiip-, 
not  informing,  every  reader,  that  even  Tacitus,  (the  favourite  author  of 
many  free-thinkers,  though  I  know  not  vi^hy)  has  borne  testimony  to  the 
existence  and  last  sufferings  of  Jesus  Chrisi',  under  the  procurator 
Pontius  Pilate,  in  the  reign  of  Tiberius.  "  Auctor  nominis  ejus  Ghris- 
"  Tus,  qui  Tiberio  imperltante,  per  procuratorem  Pontium  Pilatum, 
"  suppllcio  afFectus  erat."  Annal.  15.  S.  44.  Yet  we  are  assured,  with 
an  effrontery  without  a  parallel,  that  Christ,  or  Clr'.s-en  is  only  a  caha- 
listical  name  of  the  Sun.  So  is  the  name  of  Cxsar,  of  Socrates,  or  of 
Plato.  Are  we  not  ashamed  of  listening  to  such  writers  as  ]\Ir.  Volney, 
who  addresses  us  so  unworthily  ?  Yet  this  is  the  manner  in  which  Mr. 
Volney,  and  such  as  Mr.  Volney,  treat  the  whole  human  race,  men  and 
women,  learned  and  unlearned.  The  general  character  of  all  these 
writers  may  be  expressed  in  language  at  once  awful  and  true:  "  Non  est 
"  qui  judical  vere;  coiijidunt  in  nibilo,  loquuntur  vanitates;  csnceperunt 
"  laborem,  pepererunt  iniquitatern." 

f     See  Crazy  Tales,  &tc.  and  the  whole  school  of  La  Fontaine. 

g  See  ANGELICA  KAUFFMAN's  elegant  print;  but  it  is  to  be  remem- 
bered that  the  subject  is  purely  classical.     N.  B.  A  friend  of  mine  would 
*  Augustinus. 


[      64      ] 

Go  turn  to  Madan,  and  in  Gospel  truth, 

t  ' — 

insist  upon  my  perusing  a  long  disquisition  in  quarto,  on  fHE  Worship 
OF  F/iJAPUS,  (printed  in  1786)  with  numerous  and  most  disgusting  plates. 
It  has  not  been  published  but  distributed  liberally,*  without  any  injunc- 
tion of  secrecy,  t®  the  emeriti  in  speculative  Priapism,  as  one  would  think. 
As  I  hope  the  treatise  may  be  forgotten  I  shall  not  name  the  authorf,  but 
observe  that  all  the  ordure  and  filth,  all  the  antique  pictures,  and  all  the 
representations  of  the  generative  organs,  in  their  most  odious  and  degra- 
ding protrusion,  have  been  raked  together  and  copulated  (for  no  other 
idea  seems  to  be  in  the  mind  of  the  author)  and  copulated.,  I  say,  with  a 
new  species  of  blasphemy.  Such  are,  what  I  would  call,  the  records  of 
the  stews  and  bordellos  of  Grecian  and  Roman  antiquity,  exhibited  for 
the  recreation  of  antiquaries,  and  the  obscene  revellings  of  Greek  schol- 
lars  in  their  private  studdies.  Surely  this  is  to  dwell  mentally  in  lust  and 
darkness  in  the  loathsome  and  polluted  chamber  at  Caprese.     Essajs  on 

*  i.  e.  By  the  Dilettanti  Society.     The  solemnity  with  which  the 
Dilettanti  meet  and  present  their  valuable  works  to  the  chosen  few,  and 
the  inscription  in  tlie  blank  leaf  of  each  book,  are  rather  ludicrous.     The 
President  (of  the  day)  is  invested  with  a  Roman  Toga  in  a  sort  of  con- 
sular pomp.      Before  the   vote  for   printing   Mr. 's  Priapus  had 

passed,  I  should  have  said  with  Roman  sternness,  had  I  been  present,  / 
lictor^  colliga  manus.\ — This  Roman  farce  would  (and  perhaps  may)  form 
the  subject  of  a  legitimate  Satire.  (1796.)  The  Dilettanti  Society  best 
know  ivhat  emblem,  modelled  in  wax,  is  laid  upon  their  table  at  their 
solemn  meetings. 

Grtcc? 
Discumbunt;  nee  velari  picTura  jubetur : 
For  sit  an  expects,  lit  Gad  it  ana  canoro 
IncipiatT^nmre  cboro."  J^v. 

t  The  author  afterwards  named  himself,  and  was  very  angry  with  me 
without  any  reason.  I  only  did  my  duty  to  the  public. — Sec  P.  of  I.. 
Dial.  2.  V.  57.     (Adiled  August,  1797.) 

\  l.iv.  Lib.  J.  c.  26. 


C      65      ] 

And  Thelypthoric  ^  lore  instruct  our  youth : 
Some  plain  positions  lay,  as  simply  thus  ; 

Marriage  '  consists  in acta  coitus  : 

Laymen  may  have  ten  wives ;  poor  priests  but  one : 
Then  growl  at  Brhish  laws  in  surly  tone, 
That  "  loving  man  must  grind  with  loving  wife 
In  mold  asinarid,  during  life."  140 

With  Thickness  ^  give  some  useful  Hints  for  Healthy 
For  public  good,  though  not  for  private  wealth; 

Landscape  and  Gardening  may,  I  hope,  purify  tlie  mind :  and  as  the  au- 
thor is  conversant  with  Greek  writers  and  is  now  at  a  certain  time  oflife^ 
I  recommend  to  him  a  sentence  from  an  author,  who  perhaps  is  not  in  his 

catalogue,  though  Mr would  be  thought  a  philosopher  :  'Zo(pix 

ir^atTov  uynri  iornv,   s?rf«T«  stpjixxj).      (1794.) 

h  See  a  book  intitlc^ct  Thelyptbora.^  or  the  Causes  of  Female  ruin  ;  in 
3  vols.  8vo. 

i  These  expressions,  and  some  that  follow,  are  taken  verbatim  from 
the  book  itself;  and  yet  there  are  persons  who  think  that  such  treatises 
should  be  answered  seriously. 

N.  B.  if  in  this  and  in  a  very  few  other  places,  I  have  been  obliged 
to  introduce  expressions  rather  strong,  I  beg  pardon,  which  Avill  be 
granted  by  readers  who  reflect:  for  it  is  impossible  to  give  an  effectual  ex- 
posure of  the  unwarrantable  and  scandalous  licence  of  some  writers  with- 
out it.  The  following  excellent  words  will  explain  my  meaning:  '•  The 
"  ancient  satirists  often  used  great  liberty  in  their  expressions;  but  their 
"  freedom  no  more  resembles  this  licentiousness,  than  the  nakedness  of  an 
"  Indian  does  that  of  a  common  prostitute."  Hume's  History  of  England, 
vol.  viii.  p.  334.    (Si  sic  omnia! J 

k  M4;.  Thickness,  In  his  Valstudinarian's  Batb  Guide,  dedicated 
to  the  Earl  of  Sheljjurnk,  now  Marquis  of  Lansdowne,  has  these 

I 


C      66      ] 

Like  him,  to  shun  the  cold  embrace  of  death, 
Inhale  in  virgin  arms  ambrosial  breath. 

Or  from  the  Alps  extend  to  Norway's  rocks, 
With  Svvitzer-Russico-Kamtschatcan  Coxe,"  \ 

Then  turn  full-fraught  from  bleak  Siberia's  shore, 
And  leave  us  just  as  knowing  as  before. 

Or  bound  with  Barrington  in  charming  spell, 
Of  Irish  °  trouts  with  gizzard  stomachs  tell ;       150 


words;  "  /  myself  am  now  turned  of  sixty  ^  and  in  general^  though  I  have. 
"  lived  in  various  climates,  and  suffered  severely  in  body  and  mind,  yet 
"  having  always  partaken  of  the  breath  of  young  women  whenever  they  lay 
'*  in  my  way,  I  feel  none  of  those  infirmities  which  so  often  strike  my  eyes 
"  and  ears  in  this  great  city,  in  men  much  younger  than  myself."  Chap- 
ter V.  to  which  Mr.  T.  has  put  his  own  name,  and  he  is  rather  a  volumi- 
nous author.  But,  slas!  what  says  a  witty  Italian:  Bella  femina  che  ride, 
vuol  dir,  borsa  che  piange. 

n  The  Rev.  William  Coxe,  M.A.  F.R.S.  Sec.  Sec.  Sec.  Sec.  Sec.  Sec. 
Sec.  &;c.  The  author  is  a  gentleman  of  learning,  ability  and  information ; 
but  he  is  too  prolix  and  too  voluminous,  "  Composuit  octo  Volumina, 
"  inepte  magis  quam  ineleganter,"*  A  writer  of  Travels  should  tell  us 
what  he  has  seen  or  heard  himsef,  and  not  abridge  histories  of  former 
times,  and  insert  them  in  his  book,  or  croud  it  with  biographical  memoirs 
of  deceased  great  men.  Travels  lose  their  name  by  this  method  of  com- 
position, and  the  public  complain  with  justice  of  the  noble  art  of  book- 
making.  Mr.  Coxe  is  a  writer  of  great  respectability,  but  my  i"ear  of  his 
works  passing  into  an  example,  has  extorted  this  notice  from  me.  1  look  upon 
it  as  a  duty  to  the  public,  and  to  the  Commonwealth  of  Literature.  ( 1 794.) 

o  This  alludes  to  a  very  ingenious  account  transmitted  to  the  Royal 
Society  in  the  year  1774?  of  a  strange  fish  called  ih<^  Gilior-oi/ Trout,  with 

*  Sueton.  Claud.  Sect.  4.1. 


C     67      3 

While  o'er  the  bulk  of  these  transacted  deeds 
Prim  Blagden  pants,  and  damns  p  them  as  he  reads. 

the  gizzard-like  stomach,  "  The  first  time,  (says  the  honourable  Mr. 
"  Baruington)  I  ever  happened  to  hear  of  this  singular  fish,  was  from 
"  an  Irish  Judge,  who  being  on  the  Gonnaught  Circuit,  at  BaJlynrobe, 
"  in  the  County  of  Mayo,  expressed  his  incredulity  with  regard  to  their 
"  existence ;  but  was  obliged  to  pay  tbe  common  Irish  wager  of  a  rujnp  of 
"  beef,  and  a  dozen  of  claret,  on  three  or  four  being  produced  the  next 
"  day  from  a  neighbouring  lake."  The  honourable  and  ingenious  Mr.  B. 
next  proceeds  to  inform  the  Royal  Society,  that  these  gizzard-stomachs 
are  often  served  up  at  table  in  Ireland,  (which  account  this  R.  S.  swal- 
lows with  as  much  ease  as  it  would  the  trout  itself;)  but  supposing  that 
some  might  be  inclined  to  doubt,  he  adds,  "  1  coukl  corroborate  this  fact, 
"  were  it  necessary,  by  tbe  testimony  of  an  Irish  Archbishoj>,"  From  an 
Irish  Archbishop,  by  an  easy  transition,  Mr.  Barrington  introduces  an 
English  Fishmonger,  and  declares  with  great  solemnity,  "  I  have  shewn 
"  the  stomach  to  Mr.  Everett  of  Clare  Market,  a  very  intelligent  fish- 
"  monger,  who  declares,  that  though  he  has  cut  up  thousands  of  trouts 
"  and  salmons,  he  never  observed  anything  similar  in  the  inside  I"  See 
(what  are  called)  Philosophical  Transactions,  itjai  page  ii6.  Eugc, 
bene,  recte.     I  cannot  help  saying  to  Mr.  B.  on  this  occasion, 

Propera  stomachum  laxare  saginis, 
Ettua  servatum  consume  in  ssecula  rhombum. 

Juv.  S.  iv.  V.  67. 

The  reader  will  observe  the  rhetorical  beauties  in  this  short  extract. 
Mr.  B.  darts  from  Ireland  to  England  with  incredible  swiftness,  from 
Ballynrobe  to  Clare-murket;  then  come  in  long  array,  incredulous  Irish 
judges,  and  rumps  of  beef,  with  dozens  of  claret,  not  tempered,  I  would 
swear,  with  water  from  any  trout  stream.  Next  appear  Irish  Arch- 
bishops and  INTELLIGENT  English  Fishmongers,  (an  epithet,  by  the  bye,  he 
denies  the  Archbishop)  and  all  tihs  waste  of  beautiful  language  and  deep 
research  is  expended  to  convince  the  Royal  Society  of  the  existence  of 


[      68      ] 
AUTHOR. 

Hear  me  yet  once :  (oh  might  these  labours  end, 
And  I  to  peace  and  privacy  descend !) 
Must  I,  Uke  Chatterton,  ^  that  varlet  bright,  ^ 

gizzard-stcMiiach'd  trouts.  Yet  this  Royal  Society  not  only  receives  all 
this  nonsensical  ichthyological  farrago,  but  selects  it  for  publication  Br 
THEIR  Council.  Of  Mr.  Harrington's  talents  and  erudition  1  could  speak, 
and  have  often  spoken,  with  pleasure.  But  when  such  a  learned  man 
will  write,  and  a  Rpyal  Philosophical  Society  will  publish  such  stuff,  for 
the  edification  of  Europe,  I  think  it  proper  to  select  this  (from  myriads 
of  late  similar  pieces  of  stuff)  for  public  notice,  that  men  of  real  learn- 
ing and  abilities  (and  such  I  acknowledge  Mr.  Barrlngton)  may  be  ren- 
dered cautious  how  they  commit  themselves  and  the  societies  to  which 
they  belong.  The  Royal  Society  has  been,  and  migbt  again  be,  of  na- 
tional utility  and  honour  ;  it  has  my  best  wishes,  and  therefore  I  have 
written  this  note.  (1794.) — All  learned  societies  must  noiv  look  to  their 
original  principles,  and  consider  well  the  characters  of  the  candidates  who 
are  offered  for  their  choice,  as  associates.  If  they  will  not,  the  busts  of 
Newton  and  of  Boyle  should  be  veiled.  (1797.) 

p  It  is  by  no  means  intimated  that  Doctor  (I  beg  pardon)  Sir 
Charles  Blagden  (the  Secretary  to  the  Royal  Society  1794.)  is  given 
to  profane  swearing  when  he  is  tried  on  such  occasions,  but  such  works 
damn  themselves.  It  cannot  be  otherwise,  till  "The  Coukcil  will  exert  some 
discrimination,  and  refuse  to  shelter  themselves  under  their  foolish  decla- 
ration of  not  answering,  as  a  bodj,  for  the  works  they  publish.  Eveiy 
sociely  must  be  answerable  for  its  own  sense  or  nonsense,  as  a  noor, 
unle&K  they  choose  to  inscribe,  in  large  gold  letters,  over  their  meeting 
room,  '•'■Corpus  sine  PeiTore!"  (1794.) 

q  1  draw  my  humble  information  of  Chatterton  from  his  life  in  the 
Nf  w  ]'irigraphia  Britannica,  though  1  cannot  compliment  Dr.  Gregory 
nn  ?uch  a  meagre  performance.  They  who  have  time  may  read  Mr.  Tyrr- 


C      69      ] 

Rouse  some  new  Rowley  '  from  a  steeple's  height  ? 
Like  Hardwicke,  *  shelveswith  gossip  volumes  clog, 
Of  Baby  Charles^  and  Jemmy's  slave  and  clog; 
Of  Lorkin's  ^  diligence  for  lords'  arrears, 
With  trumpery  notes  of  long  forgotten  peers?  160 


■whit,   Mr.  Bryant,  Dr.  Milles,   Mr.  Thomas  Warton,  and  all  the  tribe  | 
of  major  and  of  minor  critics  {of  single  and  of  double  pinks,,   as  Mr.  Sheri-    | 
dan   says   in   his  Critic)    on   this    important  subject :    but  I  have  read     '] 
something  about  vita  summa  brevis,   Sec.  Ecc.  and  confine  myself  to  the 
general  view  of  this  controversy  in  Mr.  Mathias's  candid  and  comprehen-     § 
sive  Essay.  | 

r     "I   am  the  veriest  varlet   that  e'er  chew'd;"    says  Falstaff,   in 
Henry  IV.  Part  I.  Act  2.^— il/r.  Horace   JValpole^  now  Lord  Orford, 
did  not  however  seem  to  think  it  necessary  that  this  varlet  CHAf'TERi'os 
should  chew  at  all.    See  the  Starvation  Act,  dated  at  Strawrerrt Hill. 
Vide  Gregory's  Life  as  above,    8cc.   (1796.) 

s  x\s  to  this  strange  subject,  the  worst  that  can  be  said  of  it  is, 
"  magno  conatu  magnas  nugas;"  but  they  are  trifles  rather  pleasant  and 
instructive.  I  am  sure  Dr.  Milles  proved  a  pleasant  subject  for  that  chci- 
A'ccuwe  the  Arcbceological  Epistle,  written  by  Mr.  Mason. 

t  Sec  the  Miscellaneous  State  Papers,  published  in  1773,  ^Y  ^^^^ 
late  Lord  Hardwicke,  in  2  vols.  4to.  Letters  from  Baby  Charles's 
dear  Dad  and  Gossip,  James  the  First,  and  his  slave  and  dog,  Steenic 
Buckingham,  Sec.  Sec.  There  are  however  some  curious  and  valuable 
papers  in  the  collection.     The  noble  editor  was  a  man  of  learning. 

V  Mr.  LoRKiN  doth  use  miraciilaus  diligence  about  your  "  Lord- 
"  ship'sr arrears."  State  Papers  vol.  i.  p.  631.  N.  B.  It  often  requires 
miraculous  diligence,  even  in  these  days,  to  get  at  one's  arrears.  See  Mr. 
Pitt  and  the  Lords  of  the  Treasury,  if  you  can  get  a  sight  of  them.  I 
never  could. 


[     70     ] 

Shall  I  new  anecdotes  from  Darkness  draw, 
That  Strawb'ry  Horace  on  the  Hill  "^  ne'er  saw, 
With  wit^-wove  ^  bot-press'^d  paper's  glossy  glare 
Blind  all  the  wise,  and  make  the  stupid  stare ; 


w  The  Honourable  Horace  Walpole,  now  Lord  Orford;  the  owner 
of  the  Gothic  mansion  called  Strawberry-Hill  near  Twickenham.  (1796.) 

X  All  books  of  all  kinds  are  now  advertised  to  be  printed,  on  a  ivire- 
nvove  paper  and  hot-pressed,  with  cuts,  down  to  the  Philosophical  Trans- 
actions, (the  uniformity  of  which  work  is  destroyed  by  this  folly  unwor- 
thy of  such  a  Society)  and  Major  Rennkll's  learned  Memoir  on 
Hindostan;  as  if  the  intention  were,  that  they  should  be  looked  at  and 
not  read.  As  to  the  fury  iov  prints  and  cuts,  the  folly  and  rapacity  for 
gain  in  some  booksellers,  have  degraded  many  works  of  established  fame, 
and  subjected  some  learned  editors  to  unmerited  ridicule.  I  feel  for  the 
injury  and  injustice  which  a  Gentleman,  I  mean  Mr.  Christian,  Pro- 
fessor of  the  Laws  of  England  at  Cambridge,  and  Editor  of  Blackstone's 
Commentaries  with  valuable  notes  and  illustrations,  and  who  has  well 
deserved  from  his  profession,  suffered  on  this  occasion.  It  was  a  transac- 
tion shameful  and  unjustifiable.  As  to  the  wire-weavers  or  drawers  of 
paper  and  hot-pressers,  I  must  say  to  the  public,  in  the  indignant  words 
of  Apuleius,  "  Quousque  frustra  pascetis  ignigenos  Istos?"  (Apuleii 
Metamorph.  L.  7.  page  157.  Ed.  Bipont.  1788.)  Surely  this/00/ery 
must  soon  cease. 

I  wish  every  author  who  prints  and  publishes  his  own  luorks  on  a 
ivire-iiwoe  paper,  glazed  and  hot-pressed,  would  imitate  the  honesty  of 
the  late  Sir  William  Chambers,  Knight  of  the  Polar  Star,  who  says,  in  a 
letter  to  Voltaire,  which  accompanied  his  wonderful  book  on  Oriental 
Gardening;  "  It  contains  (says  the  knight)  besides  a  great  deal  of  non- 
sense, two  very  pretty  prints  hy  Bartolozzi."  European  Magazine  ior  Sep- 
tember, 1 79^... .While  this  note  was  printing,  I  was  informed  that  Coke 
uros  LrffLEfoN  irirH  Harorave's  No'Tes,  is  advertising  to  be  pub- 
lished on  a  -ivire-wove  paper  aud  hoi-pressed.     Tliis  folly,  by  such  a  pro- 


[  -1  ] 

Or  on  imperial  foolscap  with  vignettes 
Engrave  like  Staunton,  my  Chinese  Gazettes? 

Or  must  I,  as  a  wit  with  learned  air, 
Like  Doctor  Dewlap,  ^  to  Tom  Payne's  ^  repair, 
Meet  Cyril  Jackson  ^  and  mild  Cracherode,  ^ 
'Mid  literary  gods  myself  a  god?  170 


ceeding,  must  surely  sign  its  own  death-warrant.  I  wish,  to  be  sure, 
some  of  our  Statutes  at  Large  could  be  a  little  ivire-dranvn  and  kot-presscd 
by  a  Committee  of  Parliamentary  Printers  and  Compositors. 

y  Put  for  any  portly  Divine,  n^  pour  la  digest ion^  as  Bruycre  would 
say.  The  reader  will  supply  one  to  his  fancy.  But  he  must  not  imagine, 
that  I  mean  mere  London  Divines,  frequenters  of  routs,  plays,  operas, 
Bond-street  and  Kensington  Gardens,  or  chatterers  in  bookseller's  shops, 
as  the  representatives  of  the  British  Clergy,  who,  as  a  class  of  men,  are 
in  general  distinguished  for  literature  and  philosophy,  and  for  manners 
correspondent  to  their  profession. 

z  Not  that  detestable  fellow  Tom  Paine  the  Democrat,  whom  we 
all  execrate,  and  who  is  now,  with  or  without  a  head  in  France,  I  hope 
in  the  late  fashion  of  that  country  (in  1794) — but  one  of  the  best  and 
honestest  men  living,  the  veiy  respectable  Mr.  Thomas  Payne,  Senior,  to 
whom  as  a  bookseller,  learning  is  under  considerable  obligations.  L 
mention  this  Trypbo  Emeritus  with  great  satisfaction. 

a  The  present  Dean  of  Christ-church,  Oxford,  exemplary  for  Ir.i 
dlFigence  and  learning  "  in  our  Uulversity,"  as  the  Dean  loves  to  talk. 

(^794-) 

b  The  Reverend  CiArros  Cracherode,  M.  A.  Student  of  Christ- 
Church,  Oxford,  and  one  of  the  Trustees  of  the  British  rvluieum.  A  rich, 
learned,  and  most  amiable  man  (to  use  the  words  of  the  son  of  Siracll) 
"  furnished  with  ability,  living  peaceably  in  his  habitaticr.."  His  library- 
is  allowed  to  be  the  choicest  in  old  Greek  and  Latin  aothoj-*,  of  any  pri- 
vate collection  in  this  country. 


I      72      ] 

There  make  folks  wonder  at  th'  extent  of  genius 
In  the  Greek  Aldus  or  the  Dutch  Forbenius, 
And  then  to  edify  their  learned  souls, 
Quote  pleasaunt  sayings  from  The  sbippe  of  Poles. 
Hold !  cries  Tom  Payne,  that  margin  let  me  measure, 
And  rate  the  separate  value  of  each  treasure. 
Eager  they  gaze :  Well  Sirs,  the  feat  is  done  ; 
"  Cracherode's  Po'eta  Principes  "  have  won:" 
In  silent  exultation  down  he  sits, 
'Mong  well  be-Chaucer'd  Winkyn-Wordian  wits. 
Or  shall  I  thence  by  mock-appointment  stop,   181 
And  joke  with  Bryant  at  his  Elmsly's  shop? 
And  hear  it  whisper'd,  while  I'm  wondrous  pliant, 
'Twas  Doctor  Dewlap  spoke  to  Mister  Bryant.^ 

OCTAVIUS. 

How  just  was  he,  who  in  this  sapient  age. 
When  learning's  varied  cares  the  mind  engage, 

cc  The  famous  edition,  by  H.  Stephens,  of  the  principal  Greek 
poets,  called  Poctx  Graci  Principes.  All  literary  men,  from  the  little 
Reverend  Blbliopolish  Dr.  Gosset,  -well  known  at  sales,  to  the  humblest 
cdllector,  understand  this  farce  of  »u7/-^/«-measuring,  and  the  profit  of  it. 
(See  also  V.  of  L.  Dialogue  4.) 

d.  When  I  name  Mr.  Bryant,  it  Is  a  sufficient  eulogv.  But  see 
nipre  in  the  Second  Dialogue  of  this  poem. 


C      73      ] 

Stood  up  self-taught,  and  in  mankind's  defence 
Pray'd  for  professors  of  plain  common  sense. 
But  say,  what  think  you  of  the  tragic  stage?  '^'^ 

AUTHOR. 

No. ...you'll  excuse  me  there,  I  know  this  age. 
What  from  the  French  ^  Aristotelian  school,  191 
Must  I  plan  tragedies  by  line  and  rule ; 
To  the  high  Gods  address  my  first  appeal, 
Then  bid  the  press  my  hidden  worth  reveal, 
While  round  my  temples  many  a  tendril  plays 
Of  owlish  ivy  with  the  Meevian  bays ; 


dd  As  to  the  modern  comedies  of  the  day  by  Mr  Reynolds,  and  the 
rapid  School,  they  are  below  criticism.  Farce  and  O'Keefe  have  seized 
tipon  the  stage.  "  The  players  and  I,  thank  Heaven,  are  no  friends." 
(1797.)  I  wish  our  present  writers  would  consider  with  attention  the 
emphatic  words  of  the  Duke  of  Buckingham  in  his  essay  on  Poetry. 

"  But  to  write  plays!  why,  'tis  a  bold  pretence 

*'  To  judgment,  breeding,  wit,  and  eloquence; 

"  Nay  more ;  for  they  must  look  within,  to  find 

"  Those  secret  turns  of  nature  in  the  mind  :  See.  See.  Sec, 

The  author  of  T/je  Heiress  remembered  this.      It  is  the  production  of  2 
man  of  fashion,  delicacy,  wit,  and  judgment. 

e     There  are  some  deep  critics  who  read  Aristotle  in  French  and 

quote  him  in  Greek I  know  not  what  to  say  now:  vhe    French   have 

proscribed  Corneiile,  Racine,  Sec. 

K 


C      '4      ] 

And  close  in  mournful  pomp  the  tragic  rear, 
Though  Jephson  "'*'  scarce  can  gain  the  public  ear. 

OCTAVIUS. 

Still  there  are  works  which  lead  to  sure  renown, 
In  the  lay  habit  or  the  sacred  gown ;  200 

Will  stamp  your  credit  at  an  easy  price, 
Learn'd  and  ingenious,  "^  or  a  Vir  Clariss : 
Take  Markham's  Armorie,  ^  John  Taylor's  Sculler,^ 
Or  Sir  Giles  Goosecap,  ^  or  proverbial  Fuller : 

cc     Jephson  ......Author  of  Braganza,  The  Count  of  Narbonp.e,  8cc. 

My  wish  is, 

Grande  muniis 
Cecropio  repetat  cothurno.* 
but  no  more  dull  Roman  Portraits  in  4to. 

d  Any  person  who  communicates  even  a  single  note,  however  silly 
or  whimsical,  to  the  modern  editors  of  Shakspeare,  is  stiled  the  learned 
and  ingenious  Mr.  two  stars** :  the  title  of  ViR  Clarrissimus  is  appro- 
priated to  the  commentators  on  the  Greek  and  Roman  Classics,  and  often 
■with  the  same  propriety. 

e  The  names  of  some  few  books  of  that  vast  svstem  of  coglionerie^ 
or  Gorgeous  Gallery  of  gallant  Inventions^  which  Is  called  forth  to  illustrate 
our  old  dramatic  writers.  It  is  high  time  that  the  reader  of  sense  should 
see  what  may  be  called  in  the  old  language,  "  the  untrussing  of 
THESE  HUMOROUS  CRITICS."  namely  the  Commentators  on  Shakspeare, 
from  George  Steevens,  Esq.  doivnivards. 

"  Ces  propos,  dlras  tu,  sont  bons  dans  la  Satire, 
**  Pour  ^gayer  d'  abord  un  lecteur  qui  vent  rirc  : 

*  Hor.  Lib.  2.  Od.  i.  v,  ii. 


C     '/5     ] 

With  Upton,  Fabell,  Dodypoll  the  nice, 

Of  Gibbe  our  cat,^'  white  Devils,  or  ^''  Old  Vice  ; 


"  Mais  11  faiit  les  prouver.     En  forme.     J'y  consens. 
"  Repons  raols  done,  Docteur,  et  mets  toi  sur  les  bancs. 

"  Qu'KST   CK   QU'  UN  COMMENTATEUR  ?"* 

What  is  a  Shakspearean  Commentator?  a  specimen  of  the  notes  will 
best  explain  the  name,  dignity,  and  import.  I  shall  therefore  begin. 
The  extracts  will  be  as  plenty  (and  as  valuable)  as  blackberries;  though 
I  do  not  give  my  reasons  upon  compulsion.  Sir  John  Falstaff's  advice  is 
good. 

The  first  chapter  of  Markhani's  Booke  of  Armorie  is  intitled,  "  The 
*'  difference  between  Charles  and  Gentleman;'"  and  it  ends  thus:  '"  From  the 
"  offspring  of  Gentlemanly  Japbet  came  Abraham,  Moses,  Aaron  and  the 
"  Prophets,  isfc.  isfc;  also  the  King  of  the  right  line  of  Marjr,  of  whom 
"  that  only  absolute  Gentleman  Jesus  was  born,  gentleman  by  his  mother 

"  Mary,  Princesse  of  coat  armour,  &c." Reader,  Mr.  Steevens  ani 

Dr.  Farmer  will  tell  you  "  all  this  is  so"  and  quoted  too.  Hen.  V.  vol. 
ix.  p.  441,  edit.  1793 ;  though  you  may  begin  with  a  staring  doubt. 

f  John  Taylor  thus  dedicates  his  Sculler  ;  ''  To  the  whole  Kennel  of 
"  Antichrist's  Hounds,  Priests,  Friars,  Monks,  and  Jesuits,  Mastiffs, 
*'  Mongrels,  Islands,  and  Bloodhounds,  Bob-tail'd  Tykes."  !cc.  8cc.  &c. 

g  Old  plays  intitled,  "  Sir  Giles  Goosecap,  Banks's  Bay  Horse  in  a 
Trance,  Pierce  Pennyless's  '  Supplication  to  the  Devil,  Webster's  IVhite 
'  Devil,  The  Merry  Devil  of  Edmonton,  kc.  Sec  Sec. ;  in  short,  toute  la 
'  diablerie  dramatique." 

h  Of  Gibbe  our  Cc^. ..Falstaff  says,  "  I  am  as  melancholy  as  a  Gibbe 
"  Cat."  H.  IV.  p.  i.  a.  i.  sc.  2.  On  this  the  commentators  are  right 
pleasant.  Dr.  Johnson  begins,  "  A  Gibbe  cat  means,  /  know  not  why,  an 
"  old  cat."  Dr.  Percy  Informs  us  next,  that  a  Gib-cdt  in  Northampton- 
shire, means  a  iZe-cat,  which  in  some  parts  of  England  Is  called  a  rojn-cat, 
and  in  Shropshire  a  tup-c?it.  Then  follow  other  wise  critics,  and  last 
of  all  appears  Mr.  Thomas  Warton,  who  brings  a  train  of  authorities  on 
this  Important  question,  shewing  how  Gib  is  short  for  Gilbert,  and  Tib  for 

*  Boileau  sat.  8. 


[     76     ] 

Then  lead  your  readers  many  a  precious  dance, 
Cap'ring  with  Banks's  '  Bay  Horse  in  a  Trance :' 


Tibert;  Z^ow  Jack  is  appropriated  to  a  horse,  aiid  Tom  to  a  pigeon:  Z>ow 
Chaucer,  in  his  Ronraunt  de  la  Rose,  mentions  Gibbe  our  Cat,  to  which 
Tib  was  synonimoiis,  as  it  is  at  this  day;  bcw  we  read  in  Grammar  Gur- 
ton's  i^VcJ/t  (which  is  a  right  pleasant,  witty  and  merry  comedy,  written 
by  Mr.  S.  Master  of  Arts)  viz.  "  Ilath  no  man  stolen  her  ducks,  or 
gelded  Gibbe  her  cat?"  Upon  which  Dslr.  Warton  very  ^rciv/)' observes, 
"  the  composure  cf  a  cat,  is  almost  characteristic,  and  /  know  not,  (see 
"  Dr.  Johnson's  words  above)  wliether  there  is  not  a  superior  solemnity 
"  in  t be  gravity  of  a  He  Cat."  Mr.  Steevens  says,  "  A  Gib  Cat  is  a 
"  cat  qualified  for  the  Seraglio,  '  for  all  animals  so  mutilated  become  drowsf 
'  or  melancboly."  Mr.  Warton  and  Mr.  Steevens  have  left  it  a  matter 
of  doubt  whether  tbeir  onvn  droivsiness  and  gravity,  and  that  of  their 
brotber-commentators,  was  in  consequence  of  Sec.  8cc.  Etc.  (See  Abul- 
Pharagi's  great  Babylonish  chapter,  "  De  Semiramide,  Saplentibus  ejus 
ct  Eunucbis,  Sec")  To  be  fure  they  do  sympathize  with  Grammar  Gurton, 
and  her  poor  unfortunate  Gibbe-cat.  For  my  own  part,  I  neither  can, 
nor  (if  I  could)  would  I  decide  this  momentous  question ;  and  will  only 
add,  (without  being  in  the  least  melancboly  or  drowsy  myself)  in  the  words 
of  an  author  who  imparted  a  manly  vigour  to  the  Roman  muse,  "  Propria 
"  quce  maribius  tribuuntur,  mascula  dicas." 

hh  Old  Vice  was  a  personage  very  frequent  in  our  ancient  come- 
dies. I  beg  leave  to  present  my  reader  with  z  part,  (and  a  very  short 
part)  of  Mr.  Upton's  account  of  him.  "  Old  Vice  was  a  droll  character 
"  in  our  old  plays,  accoutred  with  a  long  coat,  a  cap,  a  pair  of  asses  ears, 
"  and  a  dagger  of  lath.  This  buiFoon  character  was  used  to  make  fun  with 
"  tbe  devil,  and  he  had  several  trite  expressions,  as,  '  I'll  be  with  you  in 
"  a  trice — ah-hah,  boy,  are  you  there?"  &c.  and  this  was  great  cnter- 
"  tainment  to  the  ayuience  to  see  their  old  enemy  so  belaboured  in  effig-ju 
"  Vice  seems  to  be  an  abbreviation  of  Vice-devil,  a  s  Vice-roy,  Vice-doge,  &c. 
"  and  fHEHEFORE  called  very  properly  The  Vice.  He  makes  very  free 
"  with  his  master  like  most  other   Vice-roys  or  Frimc-minister,  so  THAr 


-[     77      ] 

The  Housewife's  Jewel  read  with  care  exact, 
Wit  from  old  Books  of  Cookery  '  extract:       210 
Thoughts  to  stew'd  prunes  and  kissing  comfits  suit, 
Or  the  potatoe,"^  vigour  stirring  root: 


"  he  is  the  devil's  Vice  or  Prime-minister.  And,  (adds  Mr.  Upton)  t/bis 
"  it  is  which  makes  bim  so  saucy,"  Extract  from  Mr.  Upton's  note  on 
Richard  III.  Act  iii.  sc.  i.  N.  B.  I  make  no  doubt  but  the  reader  will 
observe  the  beautiful  compliment  to  monarchy  and  aristocracy  most  logi- 
cally deduced.  This  personage  has  been  much  patronized  of  late  in 
France,  where  eveiy  species  of  Vice,  old  or  new,  is  exercised  and  used 
•oitboiit  eny  abbreviation,  to  speak  with  Mr.  Upton. 

i  Books  of  Cookery. — I  am  afraid  that  these  extracts  will  prove  what 
Decker,  in  his  Gut's  Hornbook,  calls,  "  The  sinfu!  Suburbs  of  Cookery.'* 
Mr.  Collins,  (in  his  PoTATOE-note,  at  the  end  of  Troilus  and  Cressida) 
extracts  without  a  blush,  from  the  Good  Housewife's  Jewel,  a  receipt  with 
all  the  ingredients  at"  full  leng'Th,  To  make  a  tart  that  is  a  courage 
tp  ^^  a  man  or  woman."     And  this  is  but  a  specimen. 

Non  moreprobo;    cum  carmina  lumbum 
Intrant,  et  tremulo  scalpuntur  ubi  intima  versu.* 

k  The  commentators  on  Shakspeare  are  peculiarly,  and  even  zea- 
lously, studious  in  minutely  explaining  and  declaring  all  the  various  modes 
and  receipts  which  the  age  of  the  Virgin  C>ueen  afforded  or  recommended 
for  the  service  of  the  Qu^een  of  Love  and  soft  desire.  Whole  pages  are  abso- 
lutely filled  with  venereal  provocatives,  with  the  power  of  kissing  comfits, 
stewed  pnmes,  the  virtues  of  potatoes,  eringo  root.  Sec.  Sec.  Must  these  com- 
ments be  stiled  the  "  Pauca  suo  Gallo  qux  vel  legat  ipsa  Lycoris?"t  I 
sometimes  doubt  what  book  1  have  in  my  hand.  '1  hese  fair  editors  give 
all  they  can,  nor  let  us  dream  the  rest.  Mr.  Steevens  in  his  advertise- 
ment to  the  edition  of  Shakspeare  in  1778,  seems  to  have  had  his  scruples 
on  the  subject  of  these  pious  prunes,  and  virtuous  bulbs;    "  Such  (says 

*  Pers.  Sat.  i,  v.  20.  t   Virg.  Eel.  10.  v.  2. 


C     78     ] 

And  then  returning  from  that  antique  waste, 
Be  hail'dby  Parr,  '  the  guide  of  public  taste. 

he)  as  would  be  acquainted  with  the  propriety  of  FalstafF's  alkision  to 
stewed  prunes,  should  not  be  disgusted  at  a  multitude  of  instances,"  &c. 
&.C.  £vc.  Some  folks  are  very  sagacious,  and  cry  out  first;  but  it  will 
not  do. 

Alter  a  very  long  note  on  stewed  prunes,  by  Mr.  Steevens,  vol.  v. 
p.  375,  edit.  1778,  and  vol.  viii.  p.  529,  edit.  1793,  (which  see  and 
read,)  The  Reverend  Doctor  Farmer  adds,  very  properly,  "  that  Mr. 
"  Steevens  has  so  fully  discussed  tlie  subject  of  stewed  prunes^  that  one 
"  can  add  nothing  but  the  price;"  (Right: — Hoc  defuit  unum  Fabricio:* 
Juv.  S.  4.)  and  therefore  adds  the  Reverend  Doctor,  in  a  piece  called 
Banks's  Bay  Horse  in  a  Trance,  1795,  "  ^^  have  a  stock  of  wenches  set 
*'  up  with  their  stewed  prunes,  nine  for  a  tester."  At  other  times  these 
subjects  are  explained  in  the  learned  languages,  for  the  use  of  scholars,  as 
in  vol.  iv.  p.  211,  edit.  177S,  and  in  vol.  iv.  p.  80,  edit.  1793,  ^Y  ^^' 
Steevens.  "  Urtics  ms-frnTR  omnes  prtiritum  quendam  movent,  etacrimo- 
"  nia  sua  Vencrem  sopitam  et  extuictam  excitant."  Johnston  Hist. 
Nat.  de  Exang.  Aq.  p.  56.  I  protest  I  sometimes  think  these  reverend 
or  irreverend  commentators  are  about  to  change  sexes,  or  have  done  so,  and 
set  up  for  (what  Milton  in  his  Apology  for  Smectymnus  calls)  '■'•Old Pre- 
"  Litcsses  with  all  their  young  Corinthian  Laity."  I  wonder  we  have  never 
yet  had  The  Beauties  of  Mr.  Steevens,  of  The  Reverend  Doctor  Farmer, 
of  Mr.  Collins,  (the  potatoc-crltic,)  &c.  &c.  as  a  convenient  manual 
for  young  or  old  men,  who  would  be  young.  Mr.  Collins  has  given  the 
public  four  pages  in  8vo.  small  print,  on  the  astonishing  virtues  of  pota- 
TOKS,  (a  tempest  of  provocati(.n)  printed  by  themselves  at  the  end  of 
Troilus  and  Cresslda.  This  useful  note  would  have  been  placed  with  better 
grace  at  the  end  of  ''  Love's  Labour  Lost." — It  is  indeed  matter  of  great 
and  offensive  scandal  to  obtrude  such  refuse  and  filth  upon  tliis  nation, 
and  upon  all  the  countries  in  the  East  and  West  who  read  Shakspeare's 
works.  It  lij  highly  injurious  to  make  Shakspeare  tlie  vehicle  of  so  muck 
*  Fibrlcius,  i.e.  George  Steevens,  Esquire  1!! 


[     79     3 

AUTHOR. 

What?. ...must  I  enter  the  dramatic  course; 
Burst  thro'  the  countless  squadrons  foot  and  horse  ? 


obscene  trash,  raked  together  from  old  plays,  old  cookery  books,  and 
trumpery  novels.  But,  I  am  told,  the  poet  must  be  illustrated.  In  these 
particulars,  Mr.  Steevens,  Dr.  Farmer,  Mr.  Collins,  and  Mr.  (I  know 
not  whom)  may  as  well  illustrate  the  latter  part  of  the  fourth  book  of 
Lucretius.  The  corruptions  of  our  nature  are  the  most  mortifying  com- 
ment. They  need  neither  incitement  nor  illustration.  Whoever  con- 
siders, seriously  or  politically,  the  dominion  of  lust  and  lewdness,  and 
the  wide-wasting  desolation  and  irreversible  misery  which  they  throw 
among  the  defenceless  and  much-suffering  sex,  left  to  destitution,  and 
disease,  and  poverty,  and  despair,  and  contempt,  and  barren  sorrow;  will 
be  cautious  how  he  adds  even  one  unnecessary  or  heedless  incitement  to 
this  overbearing  fury.  A  man  of  sense,  if  not  of  morality,  in  remark- 
ing on  all  such  passages  as  I  have  noted,  and  many  others,  would  con- 
tent himself  with  saying,  "  This  or  that  passage  contains  an  indecent 
"  allusion  not  uncommon  in  the  novels  or  plays  of  the  time  ;"  or  at  least 
would  be  satisfied  with  a  single  instance  to  shew  it.  Whatever  is  more 
than  this,  cometh  from  a  source  which  is  net  good.  At  present,  there  really 
should  be  an  epurgatory  index  to  the  best  edition,  (and  in  many  respects 
it  is  the  best)  of  Shakspeare,  before  it  is  put  into  the  hands  of  ladies  and 
the  younger  part  of  the  readers  of  Shakspeare.  I  believe  there  is  not 
one  reflecting  scholar  in  this  learned  kingdom,  who  will  not  join  in  this 
and  in  the  following  criticisms  on  the  present  subject,  whether  the  criti- 
cisms are  severe,  jocular,  or  indignant. 

Carminaque  Aonidum,  yus'TAMQUZ  probaverat  iram!* 
1     The  Reverend  Doctor  Parr,  in  his  dedication  of  "  Tracts  of  War- 
"  burton  and  a  Warburtonian,"   Sec.  (reprinted  in  1789)  note  8,  p.  150, 
kas  most  kindly  pointed  out  to  such  undiscerning  persons  as  myself,  that 

*  Ovid.  Metam.  L.  6.  v.  2. 


C      80      ] 

All  that  for  Massinger  and  Beaumont  fight, 
But  leave  their  authors  m  a  wretched  plight ; 

"  MalonCy  Reed,  Farmer y  and  Tyrivhitt,  have  come  forward  as  the 
"  Guides  of  the  Public  Taste."  To  be  sure  he  has  added,  "  Mr. 
"  Stccvens^  the  two  Wartons^  Burke,  and  in  his  critical  capacity,  Dr. 
"  Johnson."  But  even  in  this  latter  part  I  must  remark  a  strange  coali- 
tion. With  the  names  of  Burke  and  Johnson  who  can  place  a  third 
modern  in  the  same  rank?  Of  Mr.  Steevens's  classical  erudition  and  in- 
genuity much  might  be  said ;  yet  all  which  he  has  acknowledged  as  his 
own  writing,  consists  of  notes  on  Shakspeare.  Every  one  must  regret 
that  the  History  of  English  Poetry  was  left  unfinished  by  it's  lamented 
and  deeply  learned  author:  and  as  to  his  brother  Joseph's  pleasant  Com- 
mon-PJace  Book  on  Pope,  it  was  always  amusing  to  me.  But  when  the 
title  of  Guides  of  the  Public  Taste  is  given  to  Jllalone,  Reed,  Farmer,  (and 
Tjrrjhitt,)  who  are  note-makers  alone  by  profession,  I  find  myself  con- 
strained to  look  into  my  English  Dictionary  for  the  meaning  of  the  words 
guide  and  taste.  Indeed  I  have  often  wondered  how  so  deeply  learned  a 
scholar  as  Mr.  Tyrwhitt  ever  suffered  himself  to  be  enrolled  with 
these  note-makers  on  Shakspeare.  But  the  leader  of  them  has  a  tongue 
to  flatter  and  wheedle.  Homer  explains  it  best:  n«()(2^7<j  «  r'sK-Xiipi  veov 
TtvKx  TTsp  (p^aviotrm.  In  this  manner  the  name  of  Samuel  Johnson  was  in- 
separably associated  with  that  of  George  Steevens. 

I  have  selected  this  passage  from  Dr.  Parr's  splendid  dedication  of 
these  Warburtonian  Tracts,  in  which  a  man,  in  the  vigour  of  his  facul- 
ties and  srength,  has  not  thought  it  unbecoming  his  character  to  attack, 
like  a  puny  whipster,  the  established  dignity  of  departed  excellence;  and 
with  unbridled  licence  of  language  has  endeavoured  to  invade  the  retreat 
and  the  repose  of  a  most  learned  and  venerable  prelate,*  now  in  Jul!  age 
and  hoary  holiness.  I  speak  with  feeling  of  such  a  conduct,  and  I  speak 
■with  the  feelings  of  a  man ;  for  what  is  a  mere  scholar  and  a  quoter  of 
Greek,  when  he  forgets  the  man?  I  trust  Dr.  Parr  has  severely  felt  the 
unmeaning  vanity  and  silly  cruelty  of  calling  forth  again  to  public  notice 
*  D.r.  Kurd,  Bishop  of  Worcester. 


[      81      ] 

From  Capell  steal,  yet  never  own  the  theft, 
And  then  desert "'  him  of  his  store  bereft.         220 
Oh  injur'd  Patron  of  our  noblest  bard! 
Capell,  "  receive  this  tribute  of  regard, 

these  tracts,  which  their  authors  long  wished  to  give  up  to  oblivion. 
Leland,  and  the  great  and  truly  liberal  Jortin,  might  have  been  as  ably 
defended  at  another  time  and  in  another  place.  I  cannot  be  repaid  for 
such  indecent  conduct  by  the  amusement  I  receive,  (to  use  Dr.  Parr's 
own  words)  "  from  the  lucky  and  lucid  Intervals  between  the  paroxysms 
"  of  (Dr.  Parr's)  polemic  phrenzy ;  from  all  the  laughable  and  all  the  ] 
"  loathsome  singularities  which  float  upon  the  surface  of  his  (Dr.  Parr's) 
"  diction ;  nor  can  I  hang  with  fondness  and  admiration  over  the  crowded 
"  yet  clear  and  luminous  galaxies  of  imagery  diffused  through  (Dr.  Parr's) 
"  works,  p.  151,"  Sec.  Sec.  But  if  I  should  quote  any  more  of  such 
words,  the  reader  would  take  the  Doctor's  Greek  for  English  and  his  En- 
glish for  Greek,  and  be  apt  to  cry  out  with  honest  old  Doyley,  in  the  farce  ^ 
of  Who's  the  Dupe?  (which  I  am  not,  but  the  Doctor  may  know  who  is) 
"  I'll  be  curs'd  if  this  is  English."  Indeed  I  have  no  more  time  or  place 
to  allot  in  this  First  Part  of  my  Poem  to  Dr.  Parr.. ..I  refer  my  reader  to 
the  Third  Part,  in  which  the  Doctor  makes  a  more  public  and  distin- 
guished entry. 

m     There  are  men  now  in  great  vogue,  who  will  feel  the  force  of 
these  two  lines.  (1794.) 

n  Mr.  Capell,  the  Editor,  I  ca.\l  him  the  Patron*  oi  Shakspeajie. 
This  gentleman  was  of  a  singular  turn  of  mind,  perhaps  a  little  too  minute, 
but  of  a  curiosity  unbounded  and  insatiable.  They  who  are  acquainted 
■with  his  critical  writings  on  Shakspeare,  and  his  accurate  researches  into 
this  species  of  antiquity,  and  who  have  considered  and  estimated  his  edi- 
tion of  the  poet,  will  not  scruple  with  me  to  pronounce  him.  The  Father 
of  all  legitimate  Commentary  on  Shakspeare.  To  this  gentleman's  intimacy, 
and  to  the  knowledge  of  his  most  learned  investigations,  were  admitted 

*  The  c  Uft^Txrivi/v. 
L 


[      82     ] 

And  may  this  honest  verse  to  hfe  and  hght 
Call  forth  thy  name,  and  vindicate  thy  right. 

Must  I  for  Shakspeare  no  compassion  feel, 
Almost  eat  up  by  commentating  °  zeal? 

men  whom  I  forbear  to  name.  But  mark  the  consequence.  His  edition 
was  condemned,  or  I  should  rather  say,  damned  by  those,  who  in  the 
poet's  own  words,  ^ 

"  To  his  unguarded  nest,  like  nveasel  critics^ 
"  Came  sneaking^  and  so  suck'd  his  princely  eggs."* 
And  when  the  School  of  Shakspeare  in  3  vols.  4to  was  published 
(alasl  after  his  death)  we  were  told  forsooth,  that  we  had  nothing  to 
learn  on  the  subject.  Indeed! — I  am  pleased  however,  to  see  that  Mr. 
Capell's  Preface  is  admitted  into  the  new  edition  of  Shakspeare,  in 
Fifteen  volumes.  It  will  not  be  too  much  to  hope  for  an  edition  in  Fifty 
volumes  quarto,  printed  on  a  wire-wove  paper^  glazed^  and  hot-pressed. 

hope  the  reader  will  not  be  displeased  with  a  short  observation 
on  this  subject. — Shakspeare  was  born  in  the  year  1564,  and  died  on 
the  23d  of  April  in  161 6,  on  his  birth-day.  It  was  not  until  full  seven 
years  after  his  death  that  his  plays  were  first  collected  and  published  to- 
gether in  folio,  in  the  year  1623,  by  two  of  his  principal  friends  in  the  com- 
pany of  comedians,  Hemminge  and  Condell.  They  likewise  corrected 
a  second  edition  in  1632.  Ii  may  seem  strange  to  us,  but  it  is  true,  that 
no  other  edition  of  his  works  was  attempted  till  eighty-two  years  after 
that  time,  when  in  the  year  1714  a  third  edition  was  published  by  Mr. 
Rowe  with  very  few,  if  any,  corrections.  Pope,  Theobald,  Hanmer, 
Warburton,  Capell,  Johnson,  Steevens,  and  Malone,  have  since  that  time 
given  new  editions.  Mr.  Steevens,  in  the  year  1766,  published  a  par- 
ticular edition  in  4  volumes  in  8vo.  of  all  the  plays  which  were  printed 
in  4to.  in  Shakspeare's  life-time  or  before  the  Restoration.  It  is  printed 
verbatim  from  the  old  copies,  and  is  curious  and  valuable.  Mr.  Steevens 
asserts  unequivocally,  that  "  no  proof  can  be  given  that  the  poet  superin- 

*  Hen.  V.  Act  i.  sc.  2. 


C      83      ] 

On  Avon's  banks  I  heard  Actjeon  p  mourn 

By  fell  IBlat^  letter  2Dog0  in  pieces  torn; 

Dogs  that  from  Gothic  kennels  eager  start, 

All  well  broke-in  by  Coney-catching  i  Art,      230  , 

"  tended  the  jDublication  of  anyone  of  these  himself."  Pref.  vol.  i.  p.  14. 
If  this  be  true,  as  I  believe,  what  can  any  editor  arrogate  to  himself 
concerning  the  genuine  text  of  this  great  poet?  I  am  not  speakiiig  of 
conjectural  criticism,  and  of  an  accurate  revision  of  the  punctuation,  Avhich 
is  of  real  consequence,  but  of  the  actual  words  themselves  as  written  by 
Shakspeare.  The  original  players,  Hemminge  and  Condell,  were  in  pos- 
session of  the  only  MSS.  which  were  extant  at  the  very  time  when  the 
plays  were  first  acted ;  and  it  is  probable  that  the  play-house  manuscript  copy 
■was  the  only  one  to  which  they  could  refer,  and  no  MSS.  whatsoever 
existed  after  that  time.  Shakspeare  appears  wholly  to  have  neglected  or 
despised  reputation  in  succeeding  ages.  It  is  for  this  age  to  amuse  itself 
with  schools  and  galleries,  and  without  blame,  in  my  opinion. 
p     Videre  canes;  prinuisque  Melampus, 

Pamphagus  et  Dorceiis,  velox  cum  fratre  Ljcisca^ 

Ichnobatesque  sagax,  et  villis  Asholus  atris, 

Nebropbenosque  valens,  et  triix  cum  Lxlape  Theron^ 

Labros  et  Agriodos,  et  acutx  vocis  Hjlactor, 

(^uosque  referre  mora  est.     Eaturba  cupidine  pr^^da 

Quaviadifficilis,  quaque  est  via  nulla.,  sequuntur. 

Heu  famulos  fugit  ipse  suos:  clamare  libebat, 

Actaon  Ego  sum;  Dominum  cognoscite  i- est  runt: 

Vellet  abesse  quidem....sed  ad  est.  Ovid.  Metam.  lib.  3. 

N.  B.  It  is  conceived  that  this  caniiie  metamorphosis  of  the  commen- 
tators on  Shakspeare,  will  be  received  in  a  pleasant  point  of  view  with- 
out offence;  for  I  must  speak  it  to  the  credit  of  our  English  IBUth.  JLCttJC 
dogs,  that  upon  the  whole  there  is  more  harmony  among  them,  (a  few 
cases  excepted)  th.m  among  the  dogs  that  worried  Greek  an  1  Roman 
authors  in  former  times.    I  surely  may  be  excused  for  tiiis  caniti:tj\  it  j\Ir. 


i 

[      84      ] 

So  tender  to  the  Paphian  notes  they  move, 
And  seem  as  they  were  only  horn  for  '^i  love. 
Hark,  Johnson  '"  smacks  his  lash;  loud  sounds  the  din: 
Mounted  in  rear  see  Steevens  TFbipper-in^ 

Bryant  himself  has  been  allowed  to  declare,  without  censure,  that  Knvsj 
signify  '0<  'lepst?  :  though  certainly  the  Hierarchy  are  infinitely  indebted 
to  him  for  the  discovery.      Bryant's  Mythol.  vol.  i.  p.  329,  £cc. 

q  The  singularity  of  this  term  "  Coney-catching,"  (which  is  the 
only  reason  of  my  Introducing  it)  called  for  my  attention;  as  no  treatises 
or  farces,  or  wliatever  they  may  be,  are  more  appealed  to  by  the  commen- 
tators that  "Greene's  Art  of  Coney-Catching;  Greene's  Ground  work  of 
"  Coney-Catching ;  Greene's  Disputation  between  a  He  Coney-Catcher 
"  and  a  She  Coney-Catcher."  As  my  poor  library  will  not  afford  these 
valuable  books,  I  profess  myself  still  ignorant  of  tliis  ancient  art  of  Conej- 
Catcbing^  and  therefore  am  by  no  means  fit  for  a  commentator;  yet  the 
reader  may  perliaps  think  me  fit  for  writing  a  note  or  two  upon  these 
"  Snappers  up  of  unconsidered  trifles."  (Wint.  Tale,  A.  4. 
sc.  I. )....!  do  not  agree  with  Mr.  Steevens  that  Coney-Catching  means 
the  art  of  picking  pockets;  (see  his  note  on  tlie  words  "  Silly  Cheat,"  vol. 
iv.  p.  363,  ed.  1778.).. ..except  there  is  any  pleasant  allusion,  by  anticipa- 
tion, to  some  late  editions  of  Shakspeare.  My  poor  pockets  cannot  keep 
up  with  these  rising  demands  upon  them.  Six  Pounds  Fifteen  Shillings'.'. 
for  tlie  last  edition  of  Shakspeare,  and  without  any  binding  !  I  cry  you 
mercy,  my  good  Alaster  Steevens;    think  of  us  poor  poets. 

qq     "  They  of  love  and  lo'.'e's  di -port 
Treat  largeh/,  of  their  mutual  guilt  the  seal."  Milt.  P.  L. 

See  the  Comments  en  Shakspeare,  as  above,  -avA  passim  through  the  whole 
edition. 

r  Samuel  Johnson,  L.L.D.  The  reader  must  know  enough  of 
this  Hnvtsi-iiun^  his  green  velvet  cap,  and  brov.'u  brajs  buttoned  coat, 
and  Iv.s  churlish  chiding  of  every  hound  that  came  near  him,  Sec.  Sec.  at 
least   it  is  not  Jemmy  Boswell's  fault  if  he  does  not. — Johnson  and  Bos- 


C      85     ] 
Rich  with  the  spoils  of  learning's  'Bl^lCk  domain, 
And  Guide  supreme  o'er  all  the  tainted  plain. 
Lo!  first  Melampus  ^  Farmer  deftly  springs, 
(Walter  de  Mapes  *  his  sire)  the  welkin  rings : 

•well ;   A-jToy  y.ai  QifxTrevra  I      But  now  we  must  all  regret  the  loss  of  the 
cheerful,  the  pleasant,  tlie  inimitable  Biographer  of  his  illnsu-ious  friend. 
Dr.  Johnson's  comments  on  Shakspeare  are  never  sullied  and  contami- 
nated Avith  minute  explications  of  indecent  passages  : 

Ke  bears  no  token  of  those  sable  streams, 
But  mounts  far  off  among  the  swans  of  Thames.* 
In  whatever  Dr.  Johnson  undertook.  It  was  his  determined  purpose  to  rec-    , 
tify  the  heart,  to  purify  the  passions,  to  give  ardour  to  virtue  and  confi-  'J 
dence  to  truth.  i' 

s  3Ielainpus  signifies  a  dog  with  black  feet.  He  is  supposed  to  have 
run  over  the  town  and  county  of  Leicester,  but  never  could  be  persuaded 
to  give  any  account  of  it.f  This  dog  scented  out  the  Learning  of  Shak- 
speare with  true  and  original  sagacity,  and  absolutely  unkennelled  ii. 
Tliis  is  his  proper  praise.  Mr.  Steevens  says,  "  Could  a  perfect  and  deci- 
"  sive  edition  of  Shakspeare  be  produced,  it  were  to  be  expected  only 
"  (though  we  fear  in  vain)  from  the  hand  of  Dr.  Farmer,  whose  more 
^^  SERIOUS  ArocAf JONS  forbid  Him  to  Mudertake  what,"  Sec.  Sec.  See 
Advert,  by  Mr.  Steevens  to  Shakspeare,  edit.  1793,  F-  1 1*  Such  gravity 
of  compliments  betXveen  two  editors,  reminds  me  of  v/hat  Shakspeare  calls, 
"  The  EscouNfER  oi  ffvo  Dog  Apes.  (1794.) 

t  Waiter  de  Mapes  was  the  jovial  archdeacon  of  Oxford,  the  Anacreon 
of  the  eleventh  century.  ''  A  decent  priest  where  monkies  ivere  the  gods, \" 
and  author  of  the  divine  ode,  beginning: 

*  Pope  Dune.  I,.  2.  v.  297. 

t  1  lament  that  Dr.  Farmer  never  published  his  intended  HisroRrof 
Leicester.     I  lament  it,  but  I  do  not  reprobate  the  Doctor,  as  he  be- 
haved in  a  gentlemanly  manner  when  he  declined  prosecuting  that  work, 
which  is  a  real  loss  to  the  antiquar)'  and  the  lover  cf  topography. 
:j;  Dunciad  B.  3.  20S. 


[      86      ] 

Stout  Gloucester  "  mark  in  Pampbagiis  ''  advance, 
Who  never  stood  aghast  m  speechless  trance  ;  240 
The  sage  Icbnobates  '•'  see  Tyrwhitt  limp  ; 
Malone  Hylactor  "^  bounds  a  clear-voic'd  imp ; 

"  Mihi  sit  propositum  in  taberna  mori ; 
Vinum  sit  appositum  morientis  ori, 
Ut  dicant,  cum  venerint  angelorum  choii, 
Deus  sit  propitius  huic  Fotatori  I"*  Sec. 

u  Stout  Gloucester.„.'W3.rh\irton,  Bishop  of  Gloucester.. ..See  Gray's 
Bard.     "  Stout  Gloucester  stood  agliast  in  speechless  trance,"  Stanza  i. 

V  Pamphagus. ...s'lgu'ii'ies  a  dog  of  a  most  voracious  appetite,  who 
snaps  at  and  devours  every  thing  digestible  or  indigestible.  They  ■who 
are  acquainted  v.-ith  the  Divine  Legation,  Sec.  See.  well  know  the  nature 
of  Warburton's  literary  appetite  and  the  danger  of  hunting  in  the  same 
field  with  him.  V/lth  all  his  eccentricities  this  was  a  noble  dog,  and 
there  is  not  one  of  the  true  breed  left,  worthy  of  the  progenitor,  though 
there  are  a  few  mongrels. 

vf  Icbnobates  means  a  dog  who  tracks  out  the  game  before  him.  No 
one  was  more  diligent  than  this  dog,  yet  he  frequently  went  upon  a  wrong 
scent;  but  would  never  suffer  the  huntsman  to  call  him  off,  especially  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  Canterbury  and  Bristol, ...li  I  were  again  to  meta- 
morphose these  hounds  into  men,  I  should  lament  the  application  of  Mr. 
Tyrwhitl's  learning  and  sagacity.  "  Ilium  pro  literato  plerique  laudandum 
*"  duxerunt,  quum  ille,  nceniis  quiousdani  anilibus  occvi^atus  inter  MUesias 
"  Pimicas  Apulkii  sui  et  hulicra  literaria  consenesceret."  (Vid.  Julium 
Capitolinum  in  vita  Clodii  Albini  ad  Gonstantium  Augustum;)  1  will 
however  say,  as  to  my  own  part,  Ilium  pro  literato  laudanclum  semper 
duxi,  hut  with  a  reserve  as  to  the  application  of  his  learning.  I  wish 
this  Icbnobates  had  been  iitiiium  sag-ax  rerum. 

X  Hylactjr  means  a  dog  v/ith  a  clear  and  strong  voice.  One  would 
think  that  tbis  dog  was  one  of  Canidia's  breed,  which  called  from  the 
sepulchre  the  actual  remains  of  the  dead  to  enchant  and  stupify  the  liv- 

*  Hor.  A.  P.  V.  2:8. 


[      B7      ] 

Asbolus  "■  Hawkins,  a  grim  shaggy  hound, 
In  music  growls,  and  beats  the  bushes  round ;  * 
Then  Porson  view  Nebropbonos  ^  the  shrewd,  *" 
Yet  foaming  with  th'  Archdeacon's  ^  critic  blood ; 

ing.    This  dog  has  been  scratcliing  up  the  earth  about  Doctors  Commonsy 

and  has  torn  up  all  the  Wills  of  the  actors  who  lived  in  Shakspeare's  time, 

and  carried  them  in  his  mouth  to  the  printer  of  a  late  edition  of  that 

author.. ..But  when  I  speak  of  rational  men,  it  passes  the  bounds  of  all 

sagacity  to  divine,   by  what    species  of  refined  absurdity  the  Wills  and 

Testaments  of  Actors  could  be  raked  up  and  published  to  illustrate  Shaks- 

peare.     (see  Malone's  Shakspeare,   vol.  ii.  p.    i86.  Sec.  Sec.  See.  and  in 

the  zd.  vol.  of  the  edit,  of  Shakspeare,  in  1793.)     A  critic  for  such  an 

ingenious  invention  should  be  presented  with  the  ahum  Saganx  caliendruniy 

T/hich  would  not  easily  fall  from  his  head... .But  Mr.  Malone  has  redeemed 

this  piece  of  folly  by  many  valuable  literary  excellencies. 

z     Asbolus  signifies  a  dog  of  a  swarthy  complexion. 

a     Beats   the   bushes    round. — Descriptive   of  Sir   John    Hawkins's 

History  of  music ;    in  which  however  there  is  much  original  and  valuable 

information,  as  in  all  his  other  v/orks,  so  unjustly  censured  in  my  opinion. 

Sir  John's  principal  fault  was  digression  from  the  subject ;   but  if  you 

excuse  that,  you  are  well  repaid  by  the  information  you  receive. 

b  Nebrophonos  signifies  a  dog  tliut  slays  the  fawns  and  deer,  and  so 
in  truth  it  is; 

Archdeacons,  rats  and  such  small  deer, 
Have  been  Dick's  food  for  many  a  year. 

And,  as  Lear  says,  "I'll  take  a  word  with  this  same /et^rncfi  The  ban?" 
my  learned  Master  Rich;ird  Porson:  but  he  loves  no  titles !  It  would  be 
better  if  he  did. 

c  ....Mr.  Malone  says,  the  word  shrcivd  means  acute,  or  intelligent; 
Mr.  Steevens  says,  it  is  bitter  or  severe.  Shaks.  Ed.  1793,  vol.  vi.  p  .430. 
Reader,  you  may  choose,  or  rather  com.bine  the  terms. 

d  The  reader  may  be  surprised  to  find  any  tlieological  writhigs  in 
this  part;  but  Mr.  Steevens's  ingenuity  has  contrived  to  press  Mr.  Profes- 


[      88      ] 

See  Dorceus  ^'^  Whiter  o'er  the  learned  soil, 
Brisk,  though  at  fault,  with  new  associates  toil ; 
In  Tberorfs  ^  form,  mark  Ritson  next  contend, 
Fierce,  meagre,  pale,  no  commentator's  ^  friend ;  250 


Eor  Person's  letters  to  Mr.  Archdeacon  Travis  into  the  service  of  Shak- 
speare  ;  and  by  such  ingenuity  ivbo  or  nvhat  may  not  be  pressed  into  it? 
This  is  quite  a  sufficient  txcuse  for  me,  or  rather  a  full  justification  of  my 
allusion  to  them.  See  'I'empest,  vol.  iii.  p.  68.  Steev.  Edit.  1793'  Mr. 
Steevens  stiles  M.  P.  "  an  excellent  scholar  a7id  a  perspicacious  critic;''  in 
which  I  most  cordially  and  most  sincerely  agree.  But,  if  I  am  rightly 
informed,  he  thanks  neither  Mr.  Steevens,  nor  me,  nor  Dr.  Parr,  nor  Dr. 
Burney  the  schoolmaster,  or  any  other  Doctor  or  Mister  in  this  country, 
for  any  opinion  they  may  entertain  or  express  of  him  or  his  works.  He 
neither  gives  or  takes.  I  find  the  Archdeacon  has  re-published  his  work, 
and  in  my  opinion  has  very  wisely  declined  being  led  any  more  by  Dick 
and  the  foul  Jicnd  '•'■  through  fire,  and  through  flame  and  whirlpool,  o'er  bog 
"  and  quagmire,  and  having  knives  laid  under  his  pillov/.  "  But  the 
Archdeacon  has  had  the  weakness  to  print  his  work  on  a  wire-ivove  paper 
and  hot-pressed.  Had  1  been  the  Archdeacon,  I  should  have  been  conten- 
ted with  the  hot-pressing  by  Mr.  Person,  hot  indeed,  hissing  hat!  This 
controversy  has  no  good  end.  Learning  is  good,  and  theology  is  good ; 
but  there  is  something  better,  H  Ayx7r-/t.  There  is  also  a  writer  who  says, 
¥.ciTcix.oi.v^ciTcn  EAE02  Kpis-iwi.      Is  it  not  so,  Mr.  Professor? 

dd  Dorceus,  signifies,  in  my  opinion,  a  dog  of  a  sharp  sight,  apt  to 
see  what  nobody  else  can  in  a  large  field.  Some  derive  it  from  Aopxj;?,  capra, 
quasi  per  saltum,  which  I  reject.... See  Mr.  Whiter's  Commentaries  on 
Sheakspeare,  on  a  neiv  principle  8cc.  published  in  1794.  This  is  certainly  a 
very  learned  and  sagacious  dog.  He  is  out  ot  the  actual  chace;  but  might 
with  great  propriety,  join  the  pack  on  a  future  day:  or  in  plain  words, 
when  a  new  edition  of  Shakspeare  is  printed,  there  should  be  a  selection 
of  notes  from  his  book.  His  criticism  on  the  second  Eclogue  of  the  poems 
ascribed  to  Rowley,  (truly  or  falsely)  in  point  of  ingenuity  and  illustrative 
learning  has  never  been  surpassed.    J-'uicunque  veterum  fort  iter  opposuerim. 


C      89      ] 

Tom  Warton  last,  Agriodos  ^  acute, 

With  Labros  Percy ^  barks  in  close  pursuit: 


e     Tbcron  signifies  a  dog  of  innate  ferocity. 

f  Poor  To7n  Warton  could  have  told  a  piteous  tale,  how  his  historic 
body  was  punched  full  of  deadly  holes  by  his  literary  Richard  Hid.  Dr. 
Percy  could  make  a  lamentation  or  two  in  some  ancient  ditty,  in  ?.  fit  or 
canto.  Mr.  Malone  probably  has  felt  a  gripe  rather  strong.  The  anti- 
quaries....but  they  have  spoken  for  themselves.  The  Antiquarian  Society 
is  amiable  and  harmless,  and  from  what  I  have  seen,  their  publications 
resemble  the  subjects  of  them,  Nsxu^v  AiMENHNA  x£<^/;v«.  "\\  ho  could 
wish  to  disturb  such  repose? 

g     Agriodos  signifies  a  dog  with  a  sharp  tooth I  always  regret  the 

loss  of  Thomas  Warton:  in  his  various  writings  he  is  amusing,  instruc- 
tive, pleasant,  learned,  and  poetical.  I  never  received-  information  so 
agreeably  from  any  modern  writer.  His  edition  of  Milton's  Smaller  Poems 
(an  exquisite  specimen  of  classical  commentary,  and  worthy  of  his  former 
observations  on  Spencer)  leaves  it  a  matter  of  unceasing  regret,  that  he 
never  published  the  Paradise  Lost  and  Regained.  The  want  of  the  last 
volume  of  the  History  of  English  Poetry,  must  forever  be  lamented.  I 
despair  of  any  artist  able  to  finish  such  a  work,  with  so  few  imperfections, 
and  with  such  various  erudition.  Tom  Warton  had  rather  a  kindly 
affection  for  the  jovial  memory  of  Archdeacon  Walter  de  Mapes  of  the 
nth  century,  mentioned  for  his  drinking  ode  in  a  former  note.  Mr. 
W.  tells  us,  (with  a  warm  panegyric)  in  his  2d  Dissert,  to  the  Hist,  of 
E.  P.  that  this  divine  Anacreon  wrote  also  a  Eatin  ode  in  favour  of 
married  priests,  concluding  with  these  spirited  lines: 

Ecce  pro  Clericis  multuni  allegavi ; 
Nee  non  pro  Presbyteris  multum  comprobavi; 
Pater  noster  pro  me  quoniam  pcccaz'i^ 
Dicat  quisque  Presbyter  cum  sua  Suavi  ! 
1  quote  this  for  7iiy  oivn  sake,  quoniam  peccavi,  and  am  inclined  to 
hope  that  every  Presbyter  cum  sua  Suavi,  will  be  as  kind  to  the  author 
of  this  poem  on  the  Pursuits  of  Literature.     Requiescat! 

M 


C      90      ] 

Hot  was  the  chace  ;  I  left  it  out  of  breath ; 
I  wish'd  not  to  be  in  at  Shakspeare's  death. 
OCTAVIUS. 

Here  yet  awhile '  these  honest  labours  close, 
And  leave  indignant  Genius  to  repose. 


h  Labros  signifies  a  dog  that  opens  continually. — But  1  forget;  Si 
quis  dlxerit  Episcopum  aliqud  infirmitate  laborare,  anathema  estc... 
And  thus  I  take  my  leave  of  the  whole  IBUckt'ttttV  kennel,  with  all 
their  wit,  and  all  their  follies,  and  all  their  merry  humours;  and  they  may 
both  now  and  hereafter,  unawed  by  their  great  Huntsman  who  is  no  more, 
and  most  probably  unmolested  by  me,  continue  to  bark  and  growl,  and 
snap,  and  quarrel  and  teaze  one  another,  till  there  remains  not  a  critical 
offal  for  which  they  may  contend.  Et  veliit  absentem  certatim  Actxona 
clament.* — Finally^  as  to  this  famous  Edition  of  Shakspeare  by  George 
Steevens,  Esq.  and  the  whole  IBUtli  %ZtH\:  Kennell,  I  must  pronounce  its 
great  Euhgium,  as  it  is  beautifully  conceived  and  expressed  in  the  words 
of  a  master  of  the  most  finished  Latinity  of  the  Augustan  age.  "  Hic 
Liber  est  conglut'matus  ex  tarn  mult  is  libris,  quot  unus  pinguis  Cocus 
Oves,  boves,  sues,  griies,  anseres,  passeres,  coquerCy  aut  unus  fumosus 
Calefactor  centuin  magna  hypocausta  ex  illis  calefacere  possitL'!"  Epist. 
Obscurorum  Virorum  1 

i  "  H^ec  SAT  ERiT,  Divse,  vestrum  cecinisse  Poetam."  So  said 
Virgil, t  and  so  says  my  friend  Octavius,  to  whose  judgment  I  submit, 
and  write  this  note  in  conclusion  for  the  present,  that  I  may  offer  and 
recommend  to  the  consideration  of  all  Poets,  Orators,  and  Writers,  sacred 
and  profane,  a  sentence  from  Swift,  which  I  could  wish  to  see  engraven 
in  letters  of  gold,  as  an  everlasting  admonition.  It  is  this:  To  say  the 
truth,  "  no  part  of  knowledge  seems  to  be  in  feiver  hands,  than  that  of 
"  discerning  WHEN  TO  HAVE  DONE."     (1794.) 

*  Ovid.  Met.  Lib.  3.         t  Virg.  Eel.  10.  v.  70. 

END  OF  DIALOGUE  THE  FIRST. 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


DIALOGUE  THE  SECOND. 


Et'  ctZXriToq  Ktti  xvarxroq  o^u  ^xXxcj, 
AINEY^  KATA  MESEON,  uyoi  h  f^i  UxXXcci  A};m 
Xsjpaf  l^iss*',   xiirxi  ^iXiut  UTipvKOt  i^u-/it. 

Horn.  II.  4.  V.  5'10. 


PREFACE 

TO  THE  SECOND  DIALOGUE* 

OF   THE 

PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


TlxXiV    O0X.SVM. 

Lycophron.  Cassandra,  v.  1321. 


1  WO  years  have  passed  since  I  published  "  The  first  Part  of 
the  Pursuits  of  Literature."  I  now  offer  a  continuation  of  it  to  the  atten- 
tion of  those  persons  who  may  feel  themselves  interested  in  such  researches; 
the  subjects  of  which  are,  in  their  event,  important  to  us  all.  What  I 
observe  of  the  First  Part,  I  observe  of  this,  and  the  following  Parts, 
"  that  no  imitation  is  intended  of  any  former  writer  or  of  any  former 
"  poem."  That  it  will  attract  so7ne  attention  in  some  places,  I  am  confi- 
dent; but  it  will  be  idle  to  make  any  conjecture  as  to  the  author.  He  is, 
and  will  be,  concealed  upon  motives  very  different  from  the  apprehension 
of  any  private  resentment.  I  dissuade  every  person  from  flippant  and 
random  application  of  any  supposed  name ;  it  is  as  unjust  as  it  is  absurd. 

*  First  printed  in  May  1794. 


[     94     ] 

"  Flebit  ct  inslgnis  tota  cantabitur  urbe,"*  was  said  of  old.  I  do  not  say 
this,  but  I  recommend  to  every  gentleman  and  lady  of  eminent  sagacity 
and  curiosity  to  reriiember,  that  there  is  a  darkness  which  mav  be  felt. 

As  to  the  subject  of  Satire  in  general,  I  will  add  a  few  words,  as 
they  are  not  wholly  unimportant,  and  as  they  explain  my  own  ideas.  All 
reprehension  of  vice,  or  of  folly,  or  of  any  moral  depravity,  must  cease  at 
once,  if  it  is  required  of  the  author  of  that  reprehension,  that  he  be  blame- 
less himself  in  the  strict,  or  indeed  in  any,  sense  of  that  word.  But  if 
the  enumeration  of  evils,  wickedness,  folly,  extravagance,  abuse  of  know- 
ledge in  theory  or  in  practice,  and  a  censure  of  such  actions  and  of  such 
opinions,  be  considered  as  the  production  of  a  mind  bad,  reprehensible, 
and  unquiet  in  itself,  I  fear,  that  few  philosophers,  are  exempted  from 
the  charge.  In  my  opinion,  the  Philosopher  himself  is  a  Satirist,  speak- 
ing to  the  world  at  large,  without  a  specific  reference  to  any  nation.  The 
Satirist,  (in  the  common  acceptation  of  the  word)  is  a  writer  in  poetry  or 
in  prose,  who  addresses  himself  to  a  peculiar  part  of  the  world,  and  gener- 
ally to  his  own  countrymen,  calling  them  to  a  view  of  their  faults,  follies, 
or  vices,  which  are  destructive  of  society,  of  government,  of  good  man- 
ners, or  of  good  literature.  The  philosophic  Satirist  effects  his  purpose 
by  appealing  to  man  and  his  nature ;  the-  modern  poet,  supposing  and 
acknowledging  the  truth  of  these  original  principles,  argues  virtually 
from  them,  but  directs  his  attention  to  existing  persons,  circumstances, 
opinions,  and  books,  in  his  own  times.  He  illustrates  his  doctrine  by  that 
forcible  appeal,  assisted  by  learning,  wit,  and  ridicule;  with  an  honest 
endeavour  to  uphold  the  common  cause  of  wisdom,  of  truth,  and  of  virtue, 
ivitbout  which  criticism  is  malignity,  and  satire  is  scandal. 

Yet  however  excellent,  the  work  of  any  Satirist  is  transitory  as  to  its 
immediate  subject.  But  as  it  is  a  view  of  life  designed  {a)  to  be  presented 
to  other  times,  as  well  as  those  in  Avhlch  it  is  written,  the  necessity  of  an 
author's  furnishing  Notes  to  his  otvn  composition  (b)  is  evident,  to  clear  up 

*    Hor.  Lib.  2.  S.  i.  v.  45. 

a     I  refer  the  reader  to  Dean  Swift's  dedication  to  Prince  Posterity. 

b  "  The  notes  I  wish  to  be  veiy  large  in  what  relates  to  the  persons 
concerned:  for  I  have  long  observed  that,  twenty  miles  from  London, 
nobody  understands  hints,  initial  letters,  or  town  facts  and  passages,  and 


[      95      ] 

for  himself  such  difficulties  as  the  lapse  of  time,  (and  indeed  of  a  vcr\' 
little  time)  would  unavoidably  create.  This  is  a  privilege  and  a  liberty 
•which  was  denied  to  the  ancients,  which  Dryden  rejected,  and  Pope 
partially  adopted. 

After  these  few  observations,  (which  I  thought  necessar)^  or  J  would 
not  have  written  them)  I  offer  this  continuation  of  the  poem  to  my  readers, 
not  without  the  spirit  of  a  writer  who  has  endeavoured  well.  I  will 
also,  upon  reflection,  add  the  words  of  A  MAN,  not  to  be  named  on 
such  an  occasion.  "  I  do  not  look  to  be  asked  wherefore  I  wrote  this 
"  book ;  it  being  no  difficulty  to  answer,  that  I  did  it  to  those  ends,  which 
"  the  best  men  propose  to  themselves  when  they  write." 

in  a  few  years  not  even  those  who  live  in  London."  Swift's  letter  to 
Pope.  July  16,  1728. — Pope's  Works,  Vol.  9.  p.  117.  Warburton's 
edition,  8vo.  N.  B.  Dr.  Joseph  Warton  observes  in  his  edition  of  Pope 
Vol.  4.  p.  323.  that,  this  observation  of  Swift  "  is  a  mortifying  reflection 
"  to  the  writers  of  Satire,  and  daily  topics  of  censure."  I  have  taken 
particular  care  in  my  poem  to  prevent  this  mart ijicat ion,  (added  Jan. 
J798.) 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE 


DIALOGUE  THE  SECONDS 


AUTHOR. 

All  hail  to  Cestria,  and  her  mhred  lord !  "^ 
And  may  the  muse  in  lasting  strains  record 
That  lawn'd  Endymion  of  a  happier  age  ; 
Who,  wild  with  rapture  and  empiric  rage, 
On  bold  aspiring  pinion  could  presume 
To  journey  through  the  vast  ethereal  gloom; 
Who  tir'd  of  earth  and  dreams  of  gowned  rest, 
Sunk  in  the  elysium  of  his  Cynthia's  breast ! 

But  ah,  Jbr  us  those  wizard  wonders  cease  : 
In  war,  death,  pestilence,  or  dang'rous  peace,    10 


*     First  published  in  May,    1796. 

a  John  Wilkins,  Bishop  of  Chester,  in  the  last  century,  wrote  a  cele- 
brated "Discourse  concerning  the  possibility  of  a  passage  to  the  Moon." 
Upon  my  word.  Philosophy  is  a  very  pleasant  thing,  and  has  various  uses; 
one  of  the  best  is,  it  makes  us  laugh  sometimes, 

N 


C      93      ] 

Condemn'd  to  groan  in  this  disorder'd  hour, 
Victors  and  victims  of  th'  unhallow'd  pow'r, 
That  bids  the  western  world  or  rouse  or  weep, 
O'erwhelm'd  beneath  the  formidable  deep. 

OCTAVIUS. 

Of  France  ^^  enough :  go  bend  before  that  tomb, 
Where  other  palms  and  other  laurels  bloom, 
Where  Maro  sleeps;  or  in  the  Sabine  shade. 
Or  in  severe  Aquinum's  inmost  glade, 


aa     I  can  mention   no  lines  so  expressive  of  the  state  of  France, 
(1796.)  as  the  following  adapted  from  Boileau. 

"  Dechirans  a  I'envi  leur  propre  Republique, 

"  Lions  contre  Lions,  parens  centre  parens, 

"  Combattent  follement  pour  le  choix  des  tyrans  !"* 

To  some  persons  the  following  sublime  picture,  as  drawn  by  the  master 
hand  of  that  mighty  poet  Lycophron,  will  have  its  force,  under  the  same 
allusion. 

KcircitSii  yxietv  o^y^-ATXAi  Ap»;, 

'ETfof^ou)  Toy  uif/^ecTvipiv  i^aip^uv  vof^^ov, 

A77X(rct  01  yjut  7rfov/it,ft,eCT6iv  ayiTa/xiVYi 

KiiTXi,   '7ri(poty,ccv  o'  oouTt  >.•»)(■»  yvoii 

Aoyy^cciq  urroa-TiXZovrK;.      Oiuuyvi  di  fiti 

Ev  »(7<  TTvpywy  i\  xy,fci)y  »yo«AAiTc«t, 

n^05  uihpoq  KvpSa-x  y/iyifiisg  lapai, 

TtuyvyotiKUiif   y.oc.t  y.ocTxh'pxyxK;  rriTrXav, 

AXXnv  tjr'  xXX-;i  <rv/^^!p6pxy  ^i^iyuivav.j 

*  Boil.  Sat.  S,  V.  132.         t  Lycophron.  Cassandra,  v.  249. 


[      99      ] 

Fast  by  Volterra's  ^  dark  Etrurian  grove, 
With  Boileau's  ^  art  and  Dryden's  rapture  rove. 
Be  wise  betimes,  and  in  resistless  prose  21 

Leave  Burke  alone  to  thunder  on  our  foes: 
Let  Wakefield  *=  rant,  and  pallid  Thelwall  bawl, 
Lords  of  misrule  in  anarchy's  wild  hall ; 


a     Juvenal  was  born  at  Aquinum,  and  Persius  at  Volterra,  in  Italy. 

b  Boileau. — The  most  perfect  of  all  rRodern  v,rlters  in  true  taste 
and  judgment.  His  sagacity  was  unerring;  he  combined  every  ancient 
excellence,  and  appears  original  even  in  the  adoption  of  acknowledged 
thoughts  and  allusions.  He  is  the  just  and  adequate  representative  of 
Horace,  Juvenal,  and  Persius  united,  without  one  indecent  blemish;  and 
for  my  own  part  I  have  always  considered  him  as  the  most  finished  gen- 
tleman that  ever  wrote.  I  have  spoken  more  at  large  of  this  poet  in  the 
Introductory  Letter  to  the  P.  of  L. 

c  Wakefield.  Whenever  I  think  of  the  name  of  Gilbert  Wakefield, 
and  look  at  the  list  of  his  works,  (for  I  would  not  undertake  to  read  them 
all, J  I  feel  alternate  sorrow  and  indignation.  His  learning  and  sagacity 
are  indeed  sufficient  to  entitle  him  to  some  patronage,  and  to  the  removal 
of  ever)^  want.  But  his  spirit  is  so  restless,  his  temper  is  so  overbearing 
and  tyrannical,  (I  speak  from  the  consideration  of  his  works  alone)  his 
contempt  for  others  is  so  great,  and  his  personal  vanity  so  conspicuous, 
that  even  literature  begins  to  be  weary  of  him.  But  when  I  turn  to  his 
religious  and  political  opinions,  I  find  all  the  virulence  and  asperity  of  the 
reformer,  all  the  insolence  and  even  impudence  of  the  assertors  of  equalitv, 
a  want  of  decent,  or  even  of  common  respect  to  dignified  characters,  and  a 
mind  (naturally  designed  for  better  exertions,  and  cultivated  in  the  groves 
of  an  university)  hostile  and  implacable  to  every  establiihment,  and  with 
a  strong  tendency  even  to  *  sanguinary  persecution.     1  speak  of  hlra  as  a 


*    See  (if  it  Is  worthwhile)  Gilbert  Wakefield's  pamphlet  entitled 
"  Remarks  on  the  General  Orders  given  by  the  Duke  of  York  to  his  army. 


C    100   ] 

Such  prophets  as  ere  long  Home  Tooke  may  save, 
And  hide  and  feed  by  fifties  "^  m  a  cave. 

You  read  perchance  a  minister  in  books,  ^ 
And  know  an  honest  statesman  by  his  looks; 

public  man ;  I  have  no  contempt  of  his  attainments.  But  I  will  never 
suffer  him,  or  any  other  man,  who  obtrudes  himself  and  his  political  prin- 
ciples and  measures  upon  the  public,  to  pass  me  Avithout  notice;  or  as  the 
poet  strongly  expresses  it, 

Glomerare  sub  antro 
Fumiferam  noctem,  commixtis  igiie  tcnebris,* 

without  the  reprehension  he  deserves.    (1796.) 

d  By  fifties.  "  Obadiah  took  the  prophets,  and  hid  them  by  fifty  in 
"  a  cave,  and  fed  them  with  bread  and  water."  Kings  B.  i.  ch.  18.  v.  4. 
In  the  provisions  of  that  most  important,  and  I  wish  I  could  say,  per- 
petual act,  (passed  in  1795")  ^'^^  preventing  seditious  assemblies.  Sec.  Sec, 
Sec.  it  is  specified,  that  none  of  these  prophets,  or  lecturers,  or  diviners  in 
democracy,  shall  meet  in  greater  numbers  than  by  fifty  in  a  cave,  or  else- 
where: and  considering  the  infiannnatory  nature  of  their  disorders  it  is 
devoutly  to  be  wished,  that  they  may  be  kept  upon  the  same  cooling  diet. 

"  J'-'V  7'  ^794'  respecting  the  decree  of  the  French  Convention,  to  give 
"  no  quarter  to  the  British  and  Hanoverians,  1794."  I  only  mention 
this  or  any  of  Mr.  Wakefield's  writings  for  their  spirit  and  tendency,  as 
the  compositions  are  worth  little  notice.  I  shall  not  at  present  wander 
through  his  Silva  Critica,  "■  Ubi  passim  palantes  Error  recto  de  tramite 
"  peHit."t  Kis  ravages  on  Virgil  and  Horace,  in  his  late  edition  of  them, 
are  often  as  shocking  to  taste  as  to  truth.  Bentley's  book  (I  beg  pardon 
for  coupling  the  names)  was  nothing  to  the  levelling  axe  of  Gil.  Wake- 
field. If  Mr.  Vv^akefitld  does  not  write  with  greater  care  and  ability 
than  he  has  hitherto  shewn,  neither  men,  nor  gods,  nor  columns  will  per- 
irit  Iiis  works  to  be  extant  very  long. 

*  Hor.  L.  2.  Sat.  3.  v.  48.  t  Virg.  ^En.  8.  v.  254. 


L      101     ] 

Think  in  debates  the  spirit  may  be  seen, 
In  Thurlow  just,   in  Wedderburne,  serene ;      30 
In  Grenville,  firmness;   majesty,  in  Pitt; 
And  in  Dundas,  the  coiu'age  to  submit. 
Proud  of  your  keen  discernment  you  retire, 
Smit  with  the  fame  of  RoUo's  bard  s  and  squire, 
You'd  print  (poor  man!)  your  satire  and  your  song, 
Correct  as  GiflPord,  or  as  Cowper,  strong. 

AUTHOR. 

Yes :   to  my  country's  justice  I  appeal. 
Nor  dread  the  press,  the  guillotine,  nor  wheel, 
Nor  fulsome  praise,  nor  coldness  of  neglect, 
Nor  all  that  poets  meet,  but  scarce  expect;        40 
Yet  though  the  question  I  shall  never  fear, 
A  rhyming  culprit's  bold  confession  hear. 


f  I  allude  to  the  profound  knowledge  which  busy  men  acquire  ot"  the 
most  secret  designs  of  the  British,  or  even  of  foreign  cabinets, — from  the 
news-papers.  Nothing  is  so  pleasant  as  to  hear  men  assert  without  the 
least  hesitation  what  they  know  of  the  intention  of  Ministers.  I  really 
envy  the  satisfaction  they  feel,  when  they  communicate  their  discoveries 
to  such  unenlightened  and  ignorant  men  as  myself. 

g  Dr.  Lawrence;  Author  or  Editor  of  the  RoUiad,  Probationary 
Odes,  Sec. 


[     102     3 

Memory  I  have,  not  Middleton'  has  more; 
Plays  I  could  frame,  hke  Ireland,'^  by  the  score; 
Could  sing  of  gardens,  yet  well  pleas'd  to  see 
Walpole  ^  and  Nature  may,  for  once,  agree ; 
Or  give  with  Darwin,  to  the  hectic  kind, 
Receipts  in  verse  to  shift  the  north-east  wind;™ 

i  The  famous  witness  on  Mr.  Hastings's  trial,  the  disciple  ot" 
Themistocles. 

k  The  publisher  of  the  newly-found  manuscript  in  Shakspeare's 
own  hatid  writing.  The  reader  will  find  more  on  this  subject  in  the  course 
of  this  Second  Dialogue. 

1  Read  (it  well  deserves  the  attention)  that  quaint,  but  most  curious 
and  learned,  writer's  excellent  Essay  on  Modern  Gardening,  at  the  end 
of  his  Lives  of  th.e  Painters. 

m  See  Ur.  Darwin's  Loves  of  the  plants  and  a  long  and  pleasant  note, 
in  which  the  Doctor  thinks  it  very  feasible  to  manage  the  nuinds,  (and 
every  thing  else  I  believe)  at  his  pleasure,  by  a  little  philosophy.  I 
never  read  any  thing  so  comfortable  in  my  life.  Martinus  Scriblerus 
will  be,  after  all,  a  legitimate  natural  philosopher.  It  appears  to  me, 
that  Dr.  Darwin's  ingenious  understanding  is  pecullary  adapted  to  solvi 
the  following  problem  in  ?j(^/z<rc/ philosophy :  "  V^'"hether,  the  hybernal 
*'  fr^S'^'^y  '^f  ^^-"^  anitpodes,  passing  in  an  orthogonal  line  through  the 
"  homogeneous  solidity  of  the  centre,  might  warm  the  siiperjicial  connexity 
*'  of  our  heels  by  a  soft  antiperistasis?"  1  have  given  a  translation  of  this 
great  and  useful  problem,  (as  the  French  philosopher  Pantagruel  is  not 
quite  so  intelligible  in  the  original,)  that  Dr.  Darwin  may  discuss  it  at 
large  in  the  next  edition  of  his  Zoono7nia,  which  is  much  to  be  desired. 
I  refer  tlie  reader  to  the  Crems  Philosopbique  des  ^lestions  Encyclopedique 
at  the  end  of  Rabelais  Book  5.  The  true  cream  of  their  modern  Enyc'o- 
pedie  is  to  be  found  in  the  French  Revolution,  1789,  Sec. 


[     103     3 

With  Price"  and  Knight  grounds  by  neglect  improve, 
And  banish  use,  for  naked  Nature's  love,  50 

Lakes,  forests,  rivers,  in  one  landscape  drawn, 
My  park,  a  county,  and  a  heath,  my  lawn; 
With  Knight,  man's  civil  progress  °  could  rehearse, 
Put  Hume,  or  Smith,  or  Tacitus  in  verse, 

n  Price  and  Knight. —  See  the  various  treatises,  all  curious  and  in 
some  degree  pleasant,  on  the  subject  of  landscape,  and  the  art  of  laying 
out  grounds.  Knight  and  Price,  versus  Mason  and  Brov/n,  Repton, 
Moderator.  I  have  no  doubt  of  the  decision  at  the  bar  of  taste,  but  I 
certainly  would  not  bring  the  cause  in  the  court  at  Guildhall.  With 
tbe  giants  on  the  jury,  and  Lord  Kenyon  for  the  Judge,  there  certainly 
would  be  a  virdidl  for  the  Brogdignag  Gardeners,  Knight  and  Price. 

o  See  and  read  (if  possible)  what  Mr.  R.  P.  Knight  calls  a  Didactic 
Poem,  "  The  Progress  of  Civil  Society,  in  six  books,  4to,"  I  protest  I 
speak  impartially,  when  I  assert  that  Mr.  Knight  seems  to  have  no  other 
ideas  of  poetry,  than  that  of  lines  and  syllables,  put  into  a  measure  with, 
now  and  then,  some  litle  attention  to  grammar.  I  mean  when  he  writes 
verses  himself.  For  if  he  conceives,  that  the  versification  of  Montes- 
quieu's Spirit  of  Laws,  Tacitus  on  the  Germans,  Smith  on  the  Wealth 
of  Nations,  Robertson's  Introduction  to  his  History  of  Charles  V»  Stuart 
on  the  View  of  Society  in  Europe,  and  such  works,  is  poetry,  there  is  no 
help  for  him,  he  must  be  suffered  to  rhyme  on,  "  Dogmatizer  en  vers,  et 
rimer  par  cbapitres."*  It  is  impossible  to  criticize  or  examine  the  whole 
in  a  note,  but  I  will  give  a  specimen  of  such  observations  as  I  should 
make,  if  I  were  to  go  through  the  whole  of  this  tedious  piece  of  work. 
Mr.  K.  is  very  fond  of  beginning  all  his  books  tvith  doubt,  like  a  true 
philosopher ;  he  always  uses  the  words  "  Whether  this,  or  whether  that — 
or  whether  the  other" — is  the  case,  never  deciding  the  point,  nor  giving 
even  a  doubtful  solution  of  doubtful  doubts,  as  Mr.  Hume  kindly  used  to 
*  Bedkau,  Sat.  8.  v.  u6. 


[      104      ] 

And,  while  Silenus  and  his  votaries  nod, 
Quaff  Paphian  grossness  from  my  crystal p  God; 

do.  But  ivhetber  Mr.  K.  understands  himself,  even  in  the  very  begin- 
ning of  his  poem,  may  be  a  doubt;  but  ivhether  his  readers  understand 
him,  is  no  doubt  at  all.  He  begins  thus;  Book  the  Jirst,  Verse  the  Jirst. 
(I  take  the  verses  at  the  very  beginning,  to  shew  my  impartiality.) 

"  Whether  primordial  motion  sprang  to  life 

From  the  wild  war  of  elemental  strife, 

In  central  chains  the  mass  inert  conjin'd. 

And  sublimated  matter  into  mind ; 

Or  'whether  one  great,  all  pervading  soul,  See. 

Or— 

Whether,  in  Fate's  eternal  fetters  bound 
Mechanic  Nature  ^oe5  her  endless  round,  Sec.  £cc. 

In  all  this  mist  and  darkness  which  he  flings  round  him,  he  certainly  Is 
little  better  than  Punch  in  the  puppet  shew,  "  Hazy  weather  master 
"  Noah:"  for  I  am  certain  that  neither  punch,  nor  Mr.  Knight  can  look 
through  this  preparation  of  the  poetical  sky  for  the  metaphysical  deluge 
which  ensues,  when  he  is  to 

"  Trace  out  the  slender  social  links  that  bind 

"  In  order's  chain,  the  chaos  of  mankind,  8cc.  Sec." 

Obe  jam  satis — But  then  I  am  told  there  are  so  many  pretty  and  intelligi- 
ble passages  (I  grant  it  Horum  simplicitas  miserabllis  1)  in  this  and 
t'other  poem  (I  must  mean  the  landscape;)  and  the  ladies  say  it  is 
so  charming  to  wish  to  be  buried  under  an  oak,  and  so  romantic, 
see  p.  153— I  wish  from  my  soul  that  all  the  democracy  and  infidelity  in 
the  kingdom  were  buried  under  the  great  guardian  oak  of  England,  and 
the  spirit  of  Mr.  Knight  confined  in  t!ie  stem  of  it.  He  might  cry  out 
as  lustily  as  Polydorus,  and  all  the  conjurers  of  the  Dilettanti  might  assist 
at  the  disinchantmcnt  if  they  pleased. — N.  B.  I  am  infinitely  indebted 
to  Mr.  Richard  Payne  Knightybr  the  honour  he  has  been  pleased  to  confer 
on  mv  note  in  the  First  Dialoo'ue  of  tliis  Poem  on  the  Pursuits  of  Litera- 


[      105      ] 

Or  I  could  scribble  *i  for  historic  fame, 

Like  Gillies,  feeble,  formal,  dull  and  lame ;  '^'^ 


ture;   see  p.  17.  Sec.  oi  bis  Preface   to  his  Piogress  of  Civil   Society 

"  //*Mr.  Knight's  bed  be  a  bed  of  tortures^  he  has  made  it  for  himself*  I 
did  not  name  him,  as  the  author  of  the  Essay  "  on  the  Worship  of 
Priapus,"  but  he  has  now  named  himself.  "  I  am  glad  however  that  he 
has  some  sense  of  shame  left,  by  endeavouring  to  explain  anvaji  one  of  the 
most  unbecoming  and  indecent  treatises  which  ever  disgraced  the  pen  of  a 
man  who  would  be  thought  a  scholar  and  a  philosopher;  and  I  persevere 
in  that  opinion,  and  could  be  tempted  to  copy  even  my  former  note.f  Mr. 
K.  had  better  have  kept  to  his  Principia,  A,  B,  T,  A,  arX.  (See  his  Greek 
alphabet,)  I  hope  he  will  do  better  in  future;  and  spare  me  more  trouble. 
I  am  as  tired  of  him  as  he  can  be  of  me.  As  Mr.  Knight  is  a  Member  of 
Parliament,  I  must  fairly  tell  him,  that  if  he  is  appointed  Chairman  of  any 
polite  poetical  Committee,  and  anymore  "  reports  Progress,  and  asks 
leave  to  sit  again,"  the  motion  will  be  negatived  by  the  whole  house. 
(1796.) 

p  "  Vitreo  bibit  ille  Priapo."  Juv.  Sat.  2.  v.  95.  See  Mr.  Knight's 
Essay  on  the  Worship  of  Priapus,  and  my  note  on  it  in  the  First  Dia- 
logue of  this  Poem. 

q  Soon  after  Mr.  Gibbon  had  published  the  second  and  third  volumes 
of  his  Roman  History,  the  late  Duke  of  Cumberland  accidentally  met  him, 
and  intending  to  pay  him  a  great  compliment  said ;  "  How  do  you  do, 
"  Mr.  Gibbon,  I  see  you  are  always  at  it,  the  old  way,  scribble^  scrib- 
"  ble,  scribble." — There  are  various  judges  of  historical  writing,  from 
Quintilian  to  the  late  Duke  of  Cumberland. — Dr.  Gillies  wrote  the 
History  of  Greece,  Sec.  in  a  manner  quite  different  from  Mr.  Gibbon.  But, 

*  I  quote  Junius  in  English,  as  I  would  Tacitus  or  Livy  in  Latin. 
I  consider  him  as  a  legitimate  English  classic. 

t  See  the  First  Dialogue  of  the  P.  of  L. — I  have  been  told  that  Five 
Guineas  is  the  price  of  The  Essay  on  Priapus,  if  a  copy  is  at  anytime 
to  be  sold. 

o 


[      106      ] 

Then  tir'd  of  truth,  Uke  Coxe,  to  fables  stray, 
And  vie  with  Croxall  in  my  notes  on  Gay;  ""      60 
I  could,  like  Seward,  if  for  scraps  you  call. 
Turn  public  bagman,  ^  train'd  in  VValpole's  stall ; 
Or  to  Cythseron,  from  the  Treasury,  move. 
And,  like  Sir  James  Bland  Burgess,  ^  murmur  love; 


according  to  Pliny's  good-humoured  observation ;  Historia  quoquo  modo 
scripta  delectat.   (1796.) 

qq  The  epithets  in  the  verse  are  designed  to  characterize  the  writ- 
ings of  Dr.  Gillies.  There  is  some  learning,  great  diligence,  attention 
and  application,  but  no  marks  of  genius  or  of  strength  in  his  compositions. 
Sed  tamtn  in  pretio.  And  I  wish  them  to  be  so,  as  the  Doctor  is  a  man 
of  good  intentions,  a  passable  scholar,  an  indefatigable  reader,  and  of 
most  respectable  character.     I  speak  of  nothing  but  his  writings. 

r  Fables  by  John  Gay,  illustrated  with  notes  by  William  Coxk, 
M.A.  F.R.S.  F.S.A.  Rector  of  Bemerton,  Prebendary  of  Sarum,  Domes- 
tic Chaplain  to  the  Lord  Bishop  of  Salisbury,  late  Fellow  of  King's  Col- 
lege, Cambridge,  Member  of  the  Imperial  Economical  Society  of  St. 
Petersburgh,  and  of  the  Royal  Society  of  Sciences  at  Copenhagen,  Chap- 
lain to  H.  G.  the  Duke  of  Marlborough;  8cc.  &c.  &c. !!!  (1796.) 
What  will  Mr.  Coxe  write  next?  To  be  sure  Addison  did  gravely  com- 
ment on  Chevy  Chace.  I  am  not  inclined  to  make  any  other  comparison. 
(1796.) 

s  See  (for  tliey  are  very  entertaining  but  very  dear)  Mr.  Seward's 
Anecdotes  of  distinguished  persons.  See.  in  four  volumes.  I  prefer  Mr. 
Seward  to  every  compiler  of  anecdotes,  except  the  Honourable  Mr.  Hor- 
ace Walpole,  now  Lord  Orford.  A  visiting  library  is  very  convenient 
and  pleasant  to  one's  friends.   (1796.) 

t  I  allude  to  Sir  James  Bland  Burgess's  Poem,  entitled,  "  The  Birth 
"  and  Triumph  of  Love,"  accompanied  by  the  prettiest  little  designs  of 
the  Amuretti  ulati  by  one  of  the  fairest,  most  ingenious,  and  most  illustri- 


[      107     ] 

Or  with  Fitzpatrick,  mark  the  sp?.ce  between 
A  tainted  strumpet  and  a  spotless  Queen;  ^'^ 
Then  furnish  feasts  for  each  Parnassian  prig, 
A  Florence  goose,  three  duckUngs,  and  one  ^  pig; 
With  Spartan  Pye  ""  lull  England  to  repose, 

ous  hands  *  in  the  kingdom.  Sir  James,  late  Under  Secretary  of  State, 
is  very  properly,  (as  all  Under  Secretaries  of  State,  or  Chief  Secretaries 
in  the  Treasury,  should  be,)  attentive  to  his  character,  and  is  particularly 
afraid  of  the  smallest  Cupid  without  a  muzzle.  Sir  James  says, "  That  boy 
"  and  that  boy's  deeds  shall  not  pollute  my  measure."  St.  i.  Now  when 
I  consider  what  Virgil  and  Tasso  have  said  and  sung  of  "  that  boy  and 
"  that  boy's  deeds,"  it  is  a  little  prudish  in  Sir  James  Bland  Burgess,  Bar- 
onet and  Poet,  on  such  a  subject  to  have  such  fears.  A  poet  may  be  a 
little  playful.  But  Sir  James  Bland  Burgess  is  right  after  all ;  there  cer- 
tainly should  be  none  but  the  most  virtuous  persons  about  Secretaries  of 
State,  and  in  the  precincts  of  the  Treasury,  though  now  and  then  a 
straggler  of  another  description  -will  be  found,  notwithstanding  the  unre- 
mitted diligence  and  undiverted  attention  of  George  Rose,  Esq. 

tt  A  line  taken  from  the  Political  Eclogue,  intitled  "  The  Lyars;" 
the  most  finished  of  all  the  productions  by  the  authors  of  the  Rolliad. 
Public  report  has  assigned  this  classical  but  too  free  composition  to  the 
keen,  sarcastic  pen  of  General  Fitzpatrick.  *'  Such  is  the  Bard  whose 
"  distich  some  commend,"  &c.  I  may  be  mistaken  as  to  the  author,  but  I 
have  selected  this  eclogue  to  reprobate  the  licentious  spirit  which  pervades 
the  whole  of  it.  The  Art  of  Political  Lying  indeed  was  not  invented  by 
Lord  North,  Mr.  Fox,  Mr.  Pitt,  General  Fitzpatrick,  or  any  modern 
Statesman.     It  is  an  ancient  and  approved  art  by  John  Bull. 

V  A  Florence  goose,  Sec. — See  a  publication,  entitled,  "  An  Ode  to 
"  an  Eaton  Boy,  Three  Sonnets,  and  One  Epigram:"  by  William  Par- 
sons, Esq.     This  gentleman  is  the  fairest  of  all  Mr.  Gray's  critics:    he 

*  H.  R.  H.  The  Princess  Elizabeth. 


C      108      ] 

Or  frighten  children  with  Lenora's>  woes:  70 
I  could.... 

OCTAVIUS. 

Do  what?. ...where  will  your  vaunting  reach? 
Is  this  a  prelude  to  your  parting  speech? 

AUTHOR. 

Spare,  spare;  till  time  subdues  my  hapless  rage 
AVith  blast  autumnal,  or  the  damp  of  age. 

even  allows  the  superiority  of  his  genius,  and  gives  his  own  verses  in  Mr. 
Gray's  measure.  The  obliquity  of  the  principles  and  of  the  understanding 
is  sometimes  unaccountable. 

X  Spartan  Pye. — Mr.  Pye,  the  present  poet  Laureat,  with  the  best 
intentions  at  this  momentous  period,  if  not  with  the  very  best  poetry, 
translated  the  verses  of  Tyrtaeus  the  Spartan.  They  were  designed  to  pro- 
cluce  animation  throughout  the  kingdom,  and  among  the  Militia  in  par- 
ticular. Several  of  the  Reviewing  Generals  (I  do  not  mean  the  Monthly 
or  Critical)  were  much  impressed  with  their  iveight  and  importance,  and 
at  a  board  of  General  Officers,  an  experiment  was  agreed  upon,  which 
unfortunately  failed.  They  were  read  aloud  at  Warley  Common,  and 
at  Barham  Downs  by  the  Adjutants,  at  the  head  of  five  different  regi- 
ments, at  each  camp,  and  much  was  expected.  But  before  they  were 
half  finished,  all  the  front  ranks,  and  as  many  of  the  others  as  were 
within  hearingor  verse-shot,  dropped  their  arms  suddenly,  and  were  all  found 
fast  asleep!!!  Marquis  Townshend,  who  never  approved  of  the  scheme, 
said,  with  his  usual  pleasantry,  that  the  first  of  all  poets  observed,  that 
"  Sleep  is  the  brother  oi  Death."  (1796. )-~N.  B.  Certain  kinds  of  y^offry 
and  writing  (to  which  1  have  been  too  much  accustomed)  may  be  added 
10  the  number  of  the   'Xtiw  Ayuya,  or  Soporifcs,  which  great  medical 


[      109     3 

What  poet  will  refuse  to  drink,  or  sing, 

Since  Helicon  is  now  an  Irish  spring? 

All  thirst  alike ;  which  made  Sam  Johnson  think. 

That  no  man  visits,  where  he  cannot  drink.  >'y 

Why  should  I  faint,  when  all  with  patience  hear,  80 


writers  affirm  to  be,  accustomed  noises,  motions,  8cc.  &c.  in  short  the 
■rteo-i  Tec,  ^vniioc.  The  acute  physician  Aretxus  thus  speaks:— T7rv««y«;vse 
tfxetu-i  ret   ^vv/idict.      NasvTJXty   fAiv   >i    ev    cix.ix.ru>  x.ctrxx.Xiaig,     xxt    iv    6xXxira-Y) 

frifi(pofx,  KXi  etiyiciXuv  '4%9?,  x-Xi  xvuxro/v  x.rv7rog,    MVSfci-Jv    n    Zour>oi x.rX. 

Aretsi  De  Morbis  Acutis  Cap.  i.  p.  75.  Edit.  Boerhaave  173 1.  The 
whole  passage  is  uncommonly  eloquent  and  sensible.  My  medical  readers, 
will  thank  me  for  pointing  it  out.  Aretaeus,  is  perhaps,  the  first  descrip- 
tive painter  in  his  art.  Such  accomplished  scholars  as  the  venerable  Dr. 
Heberden,  Dr.  Glynn,  Sir  George  Baker,  Dr.  Turton,  Dr.  Milman,  Dr. 
Littlehales,  Dr.  Vivian,  and  a  few  others,  (ApoUineo  7ioniina  digna 
choro)  will  confirm  my  opinion. 

y  A  tale  from  the  German,  translated  by  the  Laureat,  H.  J.  Pye, 
Esq.  by  J.  T.  Stanly,  Esq,  M.  P.  8cc.  Ecc.  Sec.  Sec.  a  sort  of  Blue-Beard 
story  for  the  nursery.  I  am  ashamed  to  think,  that  the  public  curiosity 
(I  will  not  say,  taste)  should  have  been  occupied  with  such  Diablerie 
'Tudesque.  (1796.) — But  I  should  be  imwilling  not  to  do  justice  to  the 
elegant  and  fascinating  pencil  of  Lady  Di.  Beauclerc  who  has  honoured 
and  decorated  the  subjedl.  But  the  painter  and  the  musician  are  often 
employed  in  illustrating  silly  subjects  and  silly  words.  Still  It  will  be 
most  true  mutatis  mutandis,  of  both  these  divine  arts ; 

II  cantar,  che  nell'anima  si  sente  1 

II  p ill  ne  sente  I' alma,  il  men  Vorecchio. 

yy  Dr.  Johnson's  character  of  the  Irish  hospitality,  in  one  of  his 
letters  or  among  the  Bosivelliana,  I  forget  which.  It  is  not  wholly  inap- 
plicable to  some  of  our  own  countrymen. — "  Feiv  young  men  visit,  ivhere 
"  tbey  cannot  drink."      'Tis  a  pity. 


[      110     ] 

And  Laureat  Pye  sings  more  than  twice  a  year?>'>'y 

OCTAVIUS. 

Truce  with  the  Laureat. 

AUTHOR. 

'Tis  but  what  I  think; 
For  once  I  hop'd  to  see  the  title  sink,  82 

While  piety  and  virtue  grac'd  the  throne, 
And  genius  in  lamented  Warton  shone: 
Aye,  while  Britannia  cries  from  shore  to  shore, 
Augustus  reigns;  Maecenas  is  no  more. 
Pitt  views  alike,  from  Holwood's  sullen  brow, 
(As  near-observing^  friendship  dares  avow) 

yyy  "  They  scarce  can  bear  their  Laureat  twice  a  year."  So  said 
Pope.  In  these  times  we  can  bear  our  harmless  fluttering  birth  day  odes, 
better  than  the  French  Dithyrambics  in  the  orgies  of  democracy. — Mr. 
Pye  is  a  man  of  learning,  and  some  little  fancy;  but  I  wish  his  poetry 
had  more  force. 

z  I  must  own,  that  unless  the  Province  of  encouraging  Letters, 
which  should  belong  to  the  great,  is  administered  with  wisdom  and  dis- 
cretion, it  is  more  desirable  that  there  were  no  encouragement  at  all.  In 
confirmation  however  of  my  opinion  of  the  minister,  I  refer  the  reader  to 
a  pamphlet  published  in  1795,  entitled,  "  Friendly  Remarks  on  Mr.  Pitt's 
Administration,  by  a  Near  Observer."  It  is  written  by  a  good  scholar, 
a  man  of  fortune,  of  an  upright  mind,  of  an  independent  spirit,  and  the 
principles  of  a  gentleman.     It  has  been  ascribed  to  M.  Montague,  Esq. 


[  111  ] 

The  fount  of  Pindus  or  Boeotia's  bog, 

With  nothing  of  Mcecenas,  but  his  frog.  *  90 


late  M.  P.  and  it  is,  1  believe,  acknowledged  by  him.  He  boldly  tells 
the  Minister  of  his  fault,  namely,  an  improvident  and  systematic  contempt 
and  neglect  of  all  ability  and  literary  talents.  "  They  had  no  poet,  and 
they  died."  I  would  by  no  means  apply  to  Mr.  Pitt  what  Spenser  said  of 
the  Lord  Treasurer  Burleigh,  once  Chancellor  of  the  University  of  Cam- 
bridge, because  it  would  neither  be  true  nor  just.  But  the  Muse  of  satire 
may,  with  more  respect  and  delicacy,  win  an  easier  way  to  the  region  of 
his  sensibility  in  the  words  of  a  Roman  poet; 

Felix  curarum!  cui  non  Hcliconia  cordi 
Serta.)  nee  imbelles  Parnassi  e  vert  ice  laurus ; 
Sed  viget  ingenium,  et  magnos  accinctus  in  usus, 
Fert  animus  qiiascunque  vices! 

These  are  the  virtues  of  a  minister  in  times  of  change,  and  of  general  con- 
vulsion. History  indeed  may  say  of  Mr.  Pitt  in  the  words  of  Tacitus, 
H.  4.  S.  5.  "  Ingenium  illustre  altioribus  studiis  juvenis  admodum 
dedit,  non,  ut  plerique,  ut  nomine  magnifico  segne  otium  velaret,  sed  quo 
Jirmior  adversus  fortuita  Rempudlicam  capesseret." — I  might  pro- 
ceed and  describe  him  as  '■^  Opum*  contemptor,  recti  jiervicax,  constans 
"  adversus  metus;"  but  I  cannot  pursue  him  through  the  integral  charac- 
ter of  Helvidius  Priscus,  because  I  conceive  Power,  and  not  Fame,  to 
be  the  principle  of  this  mighty  minister  of  Great  Britain. 

a  In  the  time  of  Augustus,  daring  the  administraton  of  Maecenas  that 
minister's  seal, bearing  the  figure  of  a  frog,  was  annexed  to  all  money-bills. 

*  Though  Mr.  P.  despises  monev,  yet  I  wish  he  v/ould  give  more  at- 
tention to  economy^  private  as  well  as  public,  than  he  has  hitherto  done. 
He  is  deserving  of  much  censure  in  tliis  respect.  He  seems  to  have  for- 
gotten what  Mr.  Burke  once  thundered  in  the  ears  of  one  of  his  predeces- 
sors, (Lord  North)  in  the  H.  of  C.  "  Magnum  est  Vectigal  Farsi- 
monia."     (1797.) 


C      112      ] 
OCTAVIUS. 

Mere  spleen  to  Pitt;  *"  he's  liberal,  but  by  stealth. 

AUTHOR. 
Yes,  and  he  spares  a  nation's  inborn  wealth, 


I  mention  this  anecdote  as  curious,  and  perhaps  not  generally  known.  It  is 
recorded  in  the  37th  book  of  Pliny's  Natural  History,  ch.  i.  "  Mxcenatis 
Rana,  ob  coUationem peciiiiiarum,  in  magiio  terrore  erat."  I  also  refer  the 
reader  to  the  Duke  of  Marlborough's  Gems,  vol.  2.  engraved  privately, 
and  the  elegent  Latin  descriptions  of  them  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cole,  late 
Fellow  of  Kings  College  in  Cambridge. — Nothing  is  so  like  as  one  Minis- 
ter to  another  in  this  respect ;  but  it  is  difficult  to  refrain  from  remarking, 
that  Frogs  were  one  of  the  plagues  of  Egypt. 

b  Octavlus  is  wrong.  I  am  neither  a  personal  nor  a  political  enemy 
to  Mr.  Pitt.  I  think  him  a  powerful  and  efficient  Minister,  eminently 
adorned  with  natural  gifts  and  endowments,  and  solemnly  marked  out 
and  elected  to  his  great  office.  He  has  talents  to  conduct,  to  persuade, 
and  to  command.  He  is  a  scholar  ;  /  know  him  to  be  such,  and  a  ripe 
and  good  one.  The  low  passion  of  avarice  has  no  root  in  his  mind;  but  the 
sin,  by  which  the  angels  fell,  rages  in  him  without  measure  and  without 
control.  To  tell  a  minister,  that  pride  was  not  madeybr  him  or  for  anv 
man,  because  he  has  nothing  which  he  has  not  received,  would  be  to 
argue  a  gross  ignorance  of  our  fallen  nature.  He  has  no  servility  in  him. 
Pirm,  constant,  and  unbending,  he  has  the  principles  of  a  man,  who  knows 
and  feels  what  is  demanded  of  him  by  liis  country.  He  comes  into  the 
House  of  Commons,  not  to  bow,  but  to  do  the  business  of  the  state,  and 
he  does  it.  There  is  not  a  subject  presented  to  him,  even  casually,  in 
"whicli  his  ability  is  not  conspicuous.      He  treats  it  as  if  it  had  been  the 


i 


C    113    3 

Another  Adam*'  in  economy, 

For  all,  but  Burke, '^  escape  his  searching  eye-. 

subject  of  his  coutinued  *  meditation.  In  the  conduct  of  the  French  lyar, 
he,  his  colleagues,  and  his  allies  have  been  a!!  found  tu anting  ;  but  in  the 
principle  just,  if  not  steady. — I  will  add,  that  in  respect  to  personal  indi- 
vidual gratif cation.)  I  regard  Mr.  Pitt  as  the  most  fortunate  man 
upon  record.  Called  by  the  circumstances  of  the  times  beyond  human 
control,  and  by  events  not  in  the  wildest  range  of  expectation,  he  was 
placed,  almost  without  his  seeking  it,  in  the  highest  public  station.  He 
passed  at  once  to  the  innermost  of  the  temple,  without  treading  the  vesti- 
bule. In  the  bloom  and  vigour  of  his  faculties  (for  he  bore  the  blossom 
and  the  fruit  at  once)  and  in  the  prime  of  life,  when  every  thing  can 
charm,  that  which  can  charm  the  most,  Power,  was  voluntarily  ofTered 
to  him,  confirmed,  continued,  and  established  by  his  King  and  by  his 
country.  His  faults,  his  follies,  and  his  blemishes,  (for  he  has  all) 
might  be  easily  removed.)  but  I  think  he  will  not  remove  them.  He  felt 
at  once,  as  many  men  have  done  before  him,  the  highest  ability  in  him- 
self; and  he  found,  what  is  denied  to  most  men  of  genius,  a  full  and  ade- 
quate exertion  of  it  in  high  office.  My  hope  and  earnest  prayer  is,  that 
the  termination  of  his  political  labours,  and  the  result  of  this  just  and  tre- 
mendous war  with  the  Republic  of  France,  may  be  finally  to  establish 
"  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace." — Is  this  the  language 
©f  an  enemy?  I  respect,  nay,  I  would  defend  him:  I  wish  him  along  con- 
tinuance in  office:  but  I  never  can  entertain  a  personal  regard  or  affec- 
tion for  Mr.  Pitt.     (1796.) 

c  Adam  Smith,  the  great  writer  on  wealth  and  finance,  from  whom 
Mr.  Pitt  learned  his  art. 

d  This  is  not  mentioned  as  a  censure  on  Mr.  Pitt  for  his  liberality, 
for  I  think  the  whole  of  his  pension   merited  by  Mr.  Burke,   though  I 

*  In  this  respect  Mr.  Pitt  always  reminded  me  of  Tliemistocles,  as 
recorded  by  the  great  historian  "  0<x2<«  |v»£5-£<,  ^vc-sui;  f-iiy  luwiit  ti'.XiT/,i 
"  0£  •ojie6yi)(,vTr,Ti,  y^^KTKrTo^  dr,  sroj  eivroT^iltx^iiv  rcc  diofrx."  Thucvd.  Lib. 
I.  Sect.   138. 

P 


C    11^    ] 

Stiff  from  old  Turgot,®  and  his  rigid  school, 
He  never  deviates  from  this  wholesome  rule; 
"  Left  to  themselves  all  find  their  level  price, 
"  Potatoes,  verses,  turnips,  Greek,  and  rice." 

OCTAVIUS. 

Strange  times  indeed  to  banter  on  finance ; 
Pray  if  you  call  him  frugal,  think  of  France.  100 


■wish  it  had  never  been  accepted. — On  this  subject,  I  may  say,  that  in 
"  Mr.  Burke's  Letter  on  the  Duke  of  Bedford's  attack  on  him  in  the 
House  of  Lords,"  I  perceive  genius,  ability,  dignity,  imagination,  and 
sights  more  than  youthful  poets  ever  dreamed,  and  sometimes  the  philoso- 
phy of  Plato  and  the  wit  of  Lucian.  But  what  L esteem  most  of  all,  I 
hear  again  the  warning  voice  of  one  ivho  saw  the  apocalypse^  and  FiRSf 
cried  alond  in  England  and  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  Europe.  I  cannot 
describe  the  whole  composition  better  than  in  the  words  of  that  Poet,  who 
would  have  been  proud  to  record  the  workmanship  of  Edmund  Buuke. 
Brontes,  Steropes,  and  Pyracmon,  it  will  be  allowed,  have  all  had  their 
share  in  the  fabrication  of  this  informatum  fulmen, 

"  Tres  imbris  torti  radios,  tres  nubis  aquesas 

"  Addiderant,  rutili  tres  ignis  et  alitis  austri ; 

"  Fulgores  nunc  terrificos,  sonitumque  mctumque* 

"  Miscebant  operi,  flammisque  sequacibus  iras."    (1796.) 

e  Mr.  Turgot,  ci  devant  Comptroller  General  of  French  Finance :  the 
founder  of  the  modern  Economic  School. — Modern  State  Economy  seems 
to  consist  in  spending  or  squandering  the  greatest  possible  sums  in  the 
least  possible  time. 

*  Virg.  Kn.  8.  v.  429. 


C      115     ] 
AUTHOR. 

Well,  I'll  be  brief;  with  France  he  must  contend; 
There  I  will  own  and  feel  myself  his  friend, 
And  sing  with  Burke's  or  Maro's  borrow'd  fire, 
"  Arms  and  the  man,"  till  anarchy^  expire. 


f  "  Till  anarchy  expire." — In  the  just  and  inevitable,  but  most  fatal 
and  most  tremendous  war  in  which  we  are  engaged,  and  in  which  all 
Europe  has  bled,  and  yet  bleeds  in  every  vein  and  artery,  the  first  object 
we  look  for  is,  a  stability  of  peace.  But  no  stability  can  as  yet  be  found 
in  all  the  convulsive  labours  of  the  sanguinary  nation.  That  modern 
Gallic  Julia  has  done  nothing  but  conceive  one  mis-shapen  lump  after 
another,  in  the  fosculency  of  her  political  womb ;  but  conception  upon 
conception,  abortion  upon  abortion :  and  what  can  we  say, 

Cum  tot  abort iv is  fcecundam  Julia  vulvam 

Solverety  et  patruo  similes  effunderet  offas.*  , 

We  must,  I  fear,  yet  wait  a  season;  (May  17961)  and  whatever  we  have 
paid,  or  must  still  pay,  must  be  considered  as  the  tcvrtXvrf^y,  the  great 
price  of  delivery  and  redemption  from  slavery,  revolution,  French  anar- 
chy, and  the  disruption  of  social  order;  when  the  earth  is  bursting  asun- 
der, and  hell  yawning  from  beneath ;  or  in  language,  which  Edmond 
Burke  alone  could  reproduce  in  English, 

And  what  wonder?     It  is  Longinus  who  speaks  of  Homer. |  (1796.) 

*  Juv.  Sat.  2.  v.  32. 

t  We  must  say  the  same  nonu,  Dec.  31,  i796.-"We  have  a  little 
more  hope  ?20w,  August  1797.— It  has  now  again  vanished  (November 
1797.) — I  can  say  nothing  at  prefeiit.     (February  1798.) 

I  Long,  de  Subl.  Sect.  9. 


[      116      ] 

Sedition's  crew  is  bound;  the  gloomy  band 

In  chains  of  penal  silence  musing  stand, 

Or  doomed  in  classic  ^  impotence  to  rave 

Their  ceaseless  round,  within  the  smouldring  cave, 

The  dark  Vulcanian  chamber,  whence  they  strove 

To  forge  and  hurl  the  bolts  of  Stygian  Jove.   110 

OCTAVIUS. 

Nay,   if  you  thus  proceed,   I'll  read  the  bill. 
In  Hatsell's  ^  clerkly  tone,  clear,  loud,  and  shrill, 
And  Jekyll's  '  comment  too. 

g  Since  the  passing  of  the  Bills  (in  1795)  «ig'ainst  treason,  seditious 
me-etings,  assemblies,  lectures,  harangues,  Sec.  John  Thelwall  read  during 
the  Lent  season,  1796,  what  he  termed  Classical  Lectures^  and  most 
kindly  and  affectionately  pointed  out  the  defects  of  all  the  ancient  govern- 
ments of  Greece,  Rome,  old  France,  Sec.  Sec.  and  the  causes  of  rebel- 
lion, insurrection,  regeneration  of  governments,  terrorism,  massacres, 
and  revolutionary  murders  ;  without  the  least  hint  or  application  to 
England  and  its  constitution.  Shewing  hoiv  the  Gracchi  were  great 
men,  and  so,  by  implication,  the  Bedfords,  the  Lauderdales,  Sec. — I 
must  own,  I  fear  nothing  from  such  lectures.     (1796.) 

h  John  Hatsell,  Esq.  the  very  learned,  polite,  and  respectable  Clerk 
of  the  House  of  Commons.  1796. — This  accomplished  gentleman  has 
lately  resigned  his  office,  with  that  propriety  and  discernment  of  time, 
and  circumstance,  and  of  the  cetatis  insidix,  which  have  uniformly  dis- 
tinguished his  very  useful  and  honourable  life  in  public  office,  ^lajido 
ulluni  invenient  parcml  The  illustrious  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Com- 
mons, the  Right  Honourable  Henry  Addington,  (neither  inferior 
nor  second  to  any  statesman  in  that  House  in  temperate  eloquence,  accu- 
racy of  knowledge,  and  soundness  of  understanding)    announced   Mr. 


C    nr    ] 
Author. 

Pray,  heav'n,  forbear : 
Come  then,  I'll  breathe  at  large  ethereal  air, 
Far  from  the  bar,  the  senate  and  the  court, 
And  in  Avonian  fields  with  Steevens  sport. 


Hatsell's  intended  resignation  in  a  manner  wliLch  did  honour  to  the  sin- 
cerity of  his  friendship,  and  to  his  sense  of  the  loss  of  so  able  a  servant 
of  the  public.  The  House  was  unanimous  in  their  applause.  ISIr.  Pitt 
seconded  the  Speaker,  and  pronounced  also  his  testimony.  Bat  it  is  suf- 
ficient to  say,  3rr.  Pitt  spoke,  when  that  Rig-iit  Honourable  Minister 
thinks  proper  to  assume  the  language  of  commendation. — Mr.  Hatsell 
has  given  a  most  judicious  work*  to  the  public,  which  all  senators  will 
do  well  to  consult  frequently.  Mr.  Hatsell  will  excuse  me  for  adapting 
to  him  in  this  respect  a  few  words  from  Quintllian.  "  Monumenta  rerum 
"  posteris  quxrentibus  tradidit.  Frequentabunt  ejus  domum  optimi  juve- 
"  nes  et  veram  viam,  velut  ex  oraculo,  petent.  Hos  ille  formabit,  ut  vetus 
"  gubernator,  littora  et  portus,  et  quid  secundis  fiatibus  quid  adversis 
"  ratis  poscat,  docebit,  et  communi  ductus  officio  et  amore  quodam 
"  opens."  Ouintil.  Lib.  12.  c.  xi.  s.  i— Mr.  Hatsell  will  not  suspect  the 
hand  which  has  paid  this  tribute  to  his  character  and  his  merits.  (August 

^797-) 

i     Thej-e  is  too  much  of  pertness  and  self-sufficiency  in  Mr.  Joseph 
Jekyll's  remarks,   and   I  do  not  apprehend  that    his  witticisms  will  ever 
shake  a  minister  like  the  Right  Honourable  William  Pitt. 
Magno  discrimine  Causam 
Protegere  affectas  ?  te  consule,  die  tlbl,  quis  sis. 
Orator  vehemens,  an  Curtius,  an  Matho ;  buccs 
Noscenda  est  mensura  tuE.  Juv.  Sat.  xi.  v.  32. 

*  Precedents  of  Proceedings  In  the  House  of  Commons,  with  obser- 
vations, four  volumes  4to. 


C    lis    ] 

(Whom  late  from  Hampstead  journeying''  to  liis  book, 
Aurora  oft  for  Cephalus  '  mistook, 
What  time  he  brush'd  her  dews  with  hasty  pace. 
To  meet  "'the  Printer's  dev'let  face  to  face:)   120 
With  dogs  "  IBlatk  lette^D  in  the  Stratford  Chace, 
Mouth-match 'd  hke  bells,  yet  of  confused  race,  ^"^ 
For  well  I  mark'd  them  all  °  with  curious  heed. 


k  He  used  to  leave  his  Tusculum,  tlie  seat  of  Steevens  and  of  wis- 
dom, at  Hanipstead,  between  four  and  five  o'clock  every  morning,  to 
revise  the  proof  sheets  of  the  last  edition  of  Shakspeare,  1793,  '*"  fifteen 
vols.  8vo.  ut  his  friend  Reed's  chambers.  I  heard  of  nothing  else  at 
the  time. 

1     "  Hunc  ne  pro  Cepbalo  raperes,  Aurora,  timebam. 

Sappho  to  Phaon. 
I  will  own,  I  was  always  apprehensive  for  his  safety  and  classic  purity 
so  very  soon  in  the  morning,  on  Primrose  hill,  "  earth's  freshest  softest 
lap,"  but  notwithstanding  these  early  freaks,  the  youth  is  still  safe,  'as  I 
hear.  (1796.) 

m     "  To  meet — the  Sun  upon  the  upland  lawn."  Gray's  Elegy. 

n     See  the  first  Dialogue  of  the  Pursuits  of  Literature. 

an     "  My  love  shall  hear  the  music  of  my  hounds, 

"  And  gallant  chiding;   match'd  In  mouth  like  bells, 

"  Each  under  each,"  &c.  Midsummer  Night's  Dream. 

o  1  termed  the  C'ommentators  on  Shaksjware  out  of  mere  pleasantry, 
V  black-letter  dogs."  But  if  among  these  scholars,  or  In  any  other  descrip- 
tion of  the  learned^  there  should  be  found  a  man,  who,  with  the  grace  of 
exterior  accomplishment,  or  t!ie  fulsome  semblance  of  it;  with  the  gifts 
of  fortune,  and  the  rank  of  a  gentleman;  with  a  strong  devotion  to  lite- 
rature without  remission  and  almost  without  example ;  with  acuteness  of 
^ui/id  iiud  extensive  classical  erudition  ;  wlio,  I  say,  should  so  far  forget 


[      119      ] 
OCTAVIUS. 

Not  all:  you  pass'd  the  grave  laboriousP  Reed, 

himself,  as  to  practise  arts  which  -would  disgTace  the  meanest  retainer  to 
learning: — If  such  a  man  should  be  found,  with  fair  professions  and 
obliging  attentions,  simular  of  friendship  but  at  the  bottom  false,  hollow, 
designing,  and  malicious ;  who  jealous  of  every  little  advancement  or 
lucky  discovery,  even  of  a  professional  artist,  should  strive  to  depress  the 
efforts  of  struggling  laborious  merit,  or  to  blast  the  rival  ingenuity  of  his 
learned  contemporaries;  who  should  inflict  a  wound  with  more  than  Par- 
thian dexterity,  and  yet  be  studious  of  frequenting  the  company  of  men 
of  character  to  countenance  his  own ;  and  finally,  who  should  collect  and 
scatter  around  him  the  virus  lunare,  the  vaporous  drops  that  hang  in  any 
region  of  infection,  that  the  objects  of  their  influence  might  feel  the  blast 
of  the  enchanter,  and  know  not  whence  it  comes.  If,  I  say,  such  a 
MAN  should  be  found,  I  shall  not  name  him,  and  it  is  not  for  him  to  lay 
bare  his  own  conscience  by  a  foolish,  appropriating  indiscretion.  I  have 
only  sketched  out  at  present  such  a  character  in  prose;  and  all  I  shall  say 
further  is,  may  he/if  such  a  man  exist,  strive  to  wipe  out  such  actions 
by  jnore  than  literary  contrition,  and  deeply  feel  and  know  that  he  has 
lived,  throughout  the  course  of  a  life  not  inconsiderable  in  its  duration, 
under  a  fatal  error  and  a  wretched  abuse  of  time,  learning,  talents,  and 
accomplishments. — This  character  is  left  on  record,  like  any  of  La  Bruy- 
ere's,  without  even  the  shadow  of  a  name.  It  shall  ever  remain  unapprO' 
priated  by  me.   (1796.) 

If  any  person  should  ask  why  such  an  /;n^^/«flry  character  wa^  drasvn, 
I  reply  in  tlie  words  of  Pope : 

"  Ask  you  the  provocation  that  I  had? 
The  strong  antipathy  of  good  to  bab". 

p  Isaac  Reed,  Esq.  editor  of  Dodsley's  old  plays,  lately  republished; 
a  gentlemen  of  learning  information,  and  ingenuity  and  greatly 
respected.     I  mention  him  with  verv  particular  pleasure.     (1796.) 


[      120      ] 

Friend  to  most  traders  in  researches  quaint, 
Layman  or  priest,  the  sinner  or  the  saint; 
Farmer  he  loves,  and  Steevens  will  receive, 
Though  not  Mie"^^  ilf^^^^rre^  Ireland  by  your  leave. 
He  laughs  to  see  our  new  Salmoneus  stand. 
His  mimic  thunder  rattling  o'er  the  Strand, 
On  fiery  coursers  from  Olimpia's  plain,  130 

Tossing  the  torch,  in  sov'reign  splendor  vain. 
Command  the  world's  prostration  from  afar, 
"  Shakspeare  and  Jove"  grav'd  on  the  burning  car 
In  letter'd  radiance? 

AUTHOR. 

Soft  awhile;   'tis  wrong: 
Can  strains  like  these  to  manuscripts  belong? 
To  notes,  bonds,  deeds,  receipts,  fac-similes, 
And  all  that  lawyers  feign  for  proper  fees? 

pp  Alluding  to  the  uniform  and  constant  reduplication  of  the  old 
spelling  of  every  word  in  Mr.  Ireland's  7ie=iv  Volume  by  Shakspeare. 
Mastcrre  for  Master,  bye  for  bjy  brothenv  for  brother,  Sec.  Sec. 

q     The  possessor  and  editor  of  the  MSS.  asserted  to  be  Shakspeare's : 
from  whose  officina  in  Norfolk  street  issued  the  tragedy  of  Vortigern, 
claiming  to  be  the  composition  of  Shakspeare,    acted  in  March,  1796,  at- 
Drury  Lane  Theatre,  and  received  in  such  a  Jiattering  manner  *. 
■*  i.  e.  d — mn'd  by  Box,  Pitt,  and  Gallery. 


C      121     ] 

Monks  and  Attorneys  may  engage  Malone: 
Annius, *"  or  Ireland,^  'tis  to  me  all  one. 
Give  me  the  soul  that  breathes  in  Shakspeare'spage, 
Strength  from  within,  the  unresisted  rage,        140 
The  thought  that  stretch'd  beyond  creation's  bound, 
And  in  the  flaming  walls  no  barrier  found, 
The  pen  he  dipt  in  mind ;^^... I'll  hush  to  rest 
The  little  tumults  of  a  critic's  breast. 

What  though  no  Vatican  unbars  the  door. 
No  Palatine  to  Ireland  yields  its  store. 
Treasures  he  has,  and  many  a  prouder  tome 
Than  kings  to  Granta  gave,  or  Bodley's  dome. 
Pages,  on  which  the  eye  of  Shakspeare^  por'd. 
The  notes  he  made,  the  readings  he  restor'd,  150 

r  Annius  was  a  monk  of  Viterbo  in  the  15th  century,  andcelebrateji 
for  many  forgeries  of  ancient  manuscripts  and  inscriptions.  See  his 
Seventeen  Books  of  Antiquities.  It  may  be  proper  to  observe,  that  mere 
vanity  was  his  motive ;  he  never  solicited  any  subscription  for  his  anci- 
ents. 

s  See  (for  you  may)  all  the  farrago  of  which  Mr.  Ireland  possesses 
the  originals,  numerous  beyond  any  belief;  I  will  not  attempt  to  describe 
them.     (1796.) 

ss  Tji?  <i>V7iUi  ycunuctrivi  ■/,»,  T«v  y.x^cciiav  ctTros^ip^^wj  ng  Nfn.  Suidas 
de  Vet.  Auct. 

t  Mr.  Ireland  asserts  that  he  has  the  '■ctry  library  efShakspeare,  with 
his  signature,  his  notes  and  remarks,  kc.  in  the  margin  of  the  books,  all 
in  his  OTJn  hdnd-ivritin^i^. 


C      122     ] 

The  very  gibes  he  scribbled,  and  the  joke 
That  from  the  laughing  bard  on  margins  broke. 
But  where's  the  dark  array,  the  vesture  plain, 
With  many  a  mould'ring  venerable  stain  ? 
All  fled :   a  wonder  opens  to  our  view ; 
The  shield  is  scower'd,  and  the  books  are  new:" 
In  her  own  hues  great  Nature  best  is  seen, 
So  Ireland  spoke ;  and  made  the  black.... 0«^  Green, 
Eternal  verdure  bloom  in  Shakspeare's  grove ! 
Where  led  by  light  from  heav'n,  he  oft  would  rove 
In  solitude  and  sacred  silence  blest;  161 

And  in  the  musings  of  his  mighty  breast, 
All  as  he  scann'd  the  volume  of  the  past. 
O'er  Greece  and  Rome  one  wishful  glance  would  cast; 
Mournnotpleas'dnaturecriedtheirsoundsunknown, 
My  universal  language  is  your  own. 


X  Mr.  Ireland  has  not  thought  proper  to  preserve  the  books  of  Shak- 
speare's Library  in  then*  original  and  curious  old  black  binding,  (as  could 
have  been  wished;)  but,  like  the  nurse  employed  by  Dr.  Cornelius  Scri- 
blerus,  he  has  scowered  them  well,  and  made  them  all  new;  and  with 
singular  felicity  has  re-bound  them  all  in  green  morocco.'.'.' — N.  B.  I  have 
written  this  whole  passage  in  the  Poem  and  the  Notes,  to  perpetuate  thf 
memory  of  this  extraordinary  event  in  literary  history,  which  seems  to  be 
passing  into  oblivion. — I  cannot  think  that  any  subject  relating  to  Shak- 
speare  should  be  wholly  disregarded.  (1796.) 


C      123      ] 
OCTAVIUS. 

Enough  for  me  great  Shakspeare's  words  to  hear, 
Though  but  in  common  with  the  vulgar  ear, 
Without  one  note,  or  horn-book  in  my  head, 
Ritson's  coarse  trash,  or  ktmber  of  the  dead.  170 
Can  flippant  wit,  and  book-learn'd  confidence, 
Alone  give  right  to  science,  taste  and  sense  ? 
Is  modest  worth  by  idle  boasting  shewn? 
Then,  nor  till  then,  will  I  approve  Malone :  ^ 

y  See  Mr.  Malone's  Inquiry  into  the  authenticity  of  Mr.  Ireland's 
Shakspeare  MSS.  £cc.  which  he  calls  (not  improperly)  a  Vindication  of 
Shakspeare.  The  subject  is  indeed  rather  overlaid  by  the  learned  critic, 
but  there  is  much  sagacity  and  ingenuity  in  the  treatment  of  it,  and  I 
think  it  is  satisfactory  and  proves  the  point.  Still  Mr.  Malone  is  too  con- 
fident and  presumptuous,  and  not  always  attentive  to  th^t  politeness  of 
character  -which  at  least  all  amateur  critics  should  maintain.  I  think 
Mr.  Ireland  will  now  hardly  say  of  these  manuscripts  and  original  plays 
©f  Shakspeare, 

Nunc  non  e  manibus  illis. 
Nunc  non  e  tumulo,  fortiuiataquefavitla, 
Nascentur  violac?* 
No,   Mr.  Ireland,    neither    •violets   nor    guineas. — "Go   to    bed, 
Basil ;    good  night,  go  to  bed."     (See  the  Spanish  Barber.)  I  have  just 
read  tv/o  pamphlets  on  this  subject,  the  firsit  by  Mr.  Ireland's  son,  and  the 
second  by  Mr.  Ireland  himself.     The  shameless  effrontery  of  thk  bov, 
in  avowing  himself  the  author  of  these  manuscripts,  is  only  equalled  by 
*  Pers.  Sat.  i.  v.  -,8. 


C      124      ] 

See  on  the  critic,  "  in  his  .pride  of  place," 
Laborious  Chalmers  drops  his  leaden  mace.  >'^ 


the  tender  solicitude  of  the  father  tor  their  credit  and  authenticity. 
Mr.  Ireland  senior  originally  rested  tlie  whole  with  his  son,  who,  as  he 
constantly  affirmed,  gave  the  collection  to  him,  plays,  receipts,  drawings, 
deeds,  "  white,  black  and  grey,  and  all  the  trumpery,"  but  declined 
naming  the  person  from  whom  he  received  them.  Mr.  Ireland  senior  now 
presents  us  with  the  testimony  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Parr,  Sir  Isaac  Heard, 
Mr.  Pinkerton,  Mr.  Laurent  Pye,  Mr.  Boswell,  &:c.  who  all  signed  a 
paper  {very  wisely  to  be  sure)  that  they  were  convinced  of  the  authenticity 
of  the  papers.  What  can  that  prove? — The  boy's  tale  is  simple;  he  ab- 
solutely asserts  that  he  forged  the  whole  collection,  and  gave  the  papers 
to  his  father,  to  please  at  once  and  to  deceive  him,  and  the  world.  A 
very  dutiful  and  very  modest  ladl  Do  we  believe  the  boy?  If  we  do, 
the  business  is  at  an  end.  The  Father  again  and  again  asserts,  that  lie 
is  ignorant  of  the  person  or  the  place  from  whence  they  came,  and  refers 
to  his  son's  information.  Now  he  disbelieves  his  own  son,  and  defends 
the  authenticity  of  the  papers.  Utrum  Horum?  In  short,  between  them 
both.)  Father  and  Son,  there  appears  to  me,  what  the  Greeks  call  a  Srepy*;, 
a  sort  of  natural  parental  affection  for  these  manuscripts,  which  is  very 
strange,  and  which  I  cannot  explain,  but  which  quite  satisfied  me  as  to 
the  nature  of  their  originality.  Mr.  Malone's  learning  and  politeness 
have  not  much  to  do  with  the  business  as  a  matter  of  fact;  and  the  whole 
question  now  turns  upon  this  momentous  point:  "  whether  Mr.  Ireland 
cr  Mr.  Malone  is  the  greatest  scholar?* — This  is  what  the  logi- 
cians call  the  Reductio  ad  Absurdum;  and  there  the  question  may  sleep, 
and  Shaksj-Kjare  tot-).  Such  titles  as  these  are  soon  shaken  from  his  monu- 
ment; 

Ad  qux 

Discutienda  valent  sterills  mala  robora  ficus.  f  (J^"*  Si  i7970 

*   See  Mr.  Ireland's  farewell  pamphlet  on  Mr.  Malone's  Scholarship. 
July  1797. 

t    Juv.  Sat.  ID,  v.  144* 


C      125     ] 

In  the  wild  squabbles  of  a  wordy  war, 
Let  rabid ^  Porson    tell,  or  griesly  Parr,* 
Coombe,  Travis,  Ireland,  or  whate'er  the  name, 
The  breeding  of  mere  critics  is  the  same :        180 
From  royal  Phalaris  let  your  views  extend 
To  Bristol's  wizard  stripling,  and  his  end. 

Hear  Catcott  ^  cry,  in  chearless  life's  decline, 
Thus  Rowley  once,  and  Chatterton  were  mine. 

yy  See  "  The  Apology  for  the  Believers  in — (Mr.  Ireland's)  Shak- 
speare  Papers." 

"  So  fbrc'd  from  wind-guns  lead  itself  can  fly, 

"  And  pond'rous  slugs  cut  swiftly  through  the  sky."* 

Mr.  Chalmers  is  a  well  informed,  very  useful,  and  well-meaning  writer, 
but  too  "  laborious,  heavy,  and  busy"  in  his  works.  It  was  but  a  waste 
of  erudition  to  throw  it  away  on  this  composition.  He  always  has  my 
thanks  for  his  political  information ;  but  I  wish  he  had  more  spirit  and  a 
more  animated  manner  ;  for  he  is  a  gentleman  of  great  learning  and  re- 
spectability. 

z  Mr.  Professor  Porson's  Letters  to  Archdeacon  Travis  are  conspi- 
cuous for  their  erudition,  acuteness,  accuracy,  virulence,  bitterness,  and 
invective. 

a  I  allude  to  Dr.  Parr's  Controversy  with  Dr.  Coombe,  critic  and  man- 
midwife,  about  Horace.     It  seems  Dr.  Parr  was  angry  that  he  did  no 
assist  the  little  critical  man-midwife  at  the  labour,   "  rite  maturos  aperire 
partus."     Dr.  Parr  is  more  fond  of  a  Caesarian  operation  in  criticism.  See 
more  in  a  future  note  to  the  Third  Dialogue  of  this  Poem. 

b  When  IJirst  published  the  first  part  of  this  poem  (in  1794)  I  had 
casually  glanced  on  the  subject  of  Rowky.     See  P.  of  L.  part  I.  but 

*  Dunciad. 


C      126      3 

He  saw  bis  Bard  by  Milles's  ponderous  lengdi  ^^ 
O'erlaid,  revive  in  splendor,  fame,  and  strengdi, 
For  Bryant ""  came  ;  die  Muses  all  return, 
And  light  their  lamps  at  Rowley's  fruitful  urn ; 

since  that  time  having  had  some  leisure  and  more  curiosity,  I  have  peru- 
sed many  of  the  learned  treatises  upon  it.  I  neither  have,  nor  will  have, 
any  thing  to  do  with  the  decision  of  such  a  controversy  as  this,  which  is 
even  now  scarcely  at  rest;  but  having  the  feelings  of  a  gentleman,  I  was 
struck,  as  I  was  reading,  with  the  cruel  treatment  of  poor  Mr.  Catcott 
of  Bristol,  the  sneers  upon  the  peivterer,  and  the  illiberal  reflections  on  a 
plain,  curious,  honest,  and  in^Hensive  man,  without  whose  zeal  and  soli- 
citude, (I  speak  from  the  printed  accounts)  these  singular  poems  never 
would  have  appeared.     He  seems  to  say  with  justice  ; 

Ore,  miserere  laborum 
Tantorum,  miserere  anhni  non  dignaferentis,* 

bb     The  edition  of  Rowley's  Poems  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Milles. 

c  No  man  of  literature  can  pass  by  the  name  of  Mr.  Bryant 
without  gratitude  and  reverence.  He  is  a  gentleman  of  attainments 
peculiar  to  himself,  and  of  classical  erudition  without  an  equal  in  Europe. 
His  vrhole  life  has  been  spent  in  laborious  researches,  and  the  most  curi- 
ous investigations.  He  has  a  youthful  fancy,  and  a  playful  wit :  with  the 
mind,  and  occasionaly  with  the  pen,  of  a  poet;  and  with  an  ease  and 
simplicity  of  style  aiming  only  at  perspicuity,  and,  as  I  think  attaining  it. 
He  has  contended  in  various  fields  of  controversy  Avith  various  success ;  but 
always  with  a  zeal  for  truth  and  a  soberness  of  inquiry.  In  speaking  of 
Mr.  Bryant,  I  have  no  necessity,  as  I  too  often  have,  to  qualify  my  com- 
mendations. He  has  lived  to  see  his  eightieth  winter  (and  may  he  yet 
long  live)  with  the  esteem  of  the  wise  and  good;  in  honourable  retire- 
ment from  the  cares  of  life ;  with  a  gentleness  of  manners,  and  a  readiness 
and  willingness  of  literary  communication  seldom  found.     He  is  admired 

*  Virg.  -En.  2.  v.  143. 


y 


[      127      ] 

While  Cam  receiv'd  the  Bard  with  all  his  train, 
Though  Isis  turn'd  her  current  in  disdain.       190 
The  Boy  whom  once  patrician  pens  adorn'd, 
First  meanly  flatter 'd,  ^^  then  as  meanly  scorn'd, 
Drooping  he  "^^  rais'd,  and  lent  his  little  aid, 
The  gleanings  of  a  hard  and  humble  trade. 
Innoxious  man :  yet  what  may  truth  avail ! 
Blameless  his  life,  and  simple  as  his  tale  ; 
Each  rude  inquirer's  sneering  taunt  he  feels, 
Contempt  or  insult  dogs  him  at  his  heels, 
No  kind  support  subscribing  fondness  pours. 
For  him  no  wealth  descends  in  fost'ring  showr's ;  200 


and  sought  after  by  the  young  who  are  entering  on  a  course  of  study ; 
and  revered,  and  often  followed,  by  those  who  have  completed  it.  Above 
all,  he  has  gone  forth  in  the  strength  imparted  unto  him,  in  defence  of  the 
holy  law  made  and  given  by  God  ;  he  has  put  on  the  panoply  from  above, 
and  having  enlarged  hi?  mind  and  sanctified  his  studies,  he  may  expect 
with  humble  confidence  the  consummation  of  his  reward. 

NOMEN   IN  EXEMPLUM  SERO   SERVABIJIUS  ^VC*       (1796.) 

cc  Alluding  to  the  letters  written  by  the  Honourable  Horace  "Wal- 
pole  (now  Lord  Orford)  to  Thomas  Chatterton,  printed  in  some  magazines 
or  newspapers.  I  remember  to  have  seen  them,  but  I  cannot  point  out  at 
present  the  time  or  date  of  them :  I  think  they  were  written  from  Strnw- 
berry  Hill,  but  1  am  not  sure. 

dd     i.  e.  Mr.  Catcott. 

*  Milton  ad  Patrem  v.  2c5i. 


X 


»j  a 


[      128      ] 

Yet  be  this  truth  to  future  times  reveal'd, 
"  The  wound  a  Varro  gave,  Iapis  heal'd." 

Go  now  for  moths,  and  rolls,  and  parchments  search; 
Ransac  the  chest,  the  closet,  or  the  church; 
Brave  all  the  joint  associates  of  A.  S. 
The  jest  insipid,  and  the  idle  guess; 
Bind,  copy,  comment,  manuscript  and  print, 
Take  from  good  natur'd  friends  some  useful  hint. 
From  Bewick's  ^  magic  wood  throw  borrow'd  rays 
O'er  many  a  page  in  gorgeous  Bulmer's  blaze ;  210 
Alas,  for  thee!  nor  profit  hope,  nor  fame, 
Contempt  your  lot,  and  solitary  shame. 

Go  rather  and  indulge  Dramatic  rage  ; 
All  love  a  public  or  a  private  stage  : 


a  See  Bishop  Atterbiuy's  comment  on  the  DiLECfus  Iapis  of  Vir- 
gil. I  shall  add,  lATPIKfiTATOS  ^iXo^a>^o%  y.cii  xau^a^OKrirc;,  ^iXoirraj^o;, 
ytvyxL0i,viaivdii>^d6)7-/ii,ci(^i(i;,  ^ix.x(o<;,  syc-eov)?,  EIS  AKPON  THS  IlAIAEIAi: 

d  Mr.  Bewick,  the  great  restorer  of  the  long  lost  art  of  engraving 
upon  wood.  I  need  only  mention  his  figures  of  the  quadrupeds,  and  his 
plates  to  Bulmer's  edition  of  Goldsmith's  poems.  Mr.  Bulmer  is  the  in- 
genious printer  of  Boydell's  magnificent  edition  of  Shakspeare;  a  work 
which,  having  been  uniformly  conducted  on  liberal  principles  and  intend- 
ed for  the  honour  of  the  country,  should  be  patronised  by  the  English 
nation. 


C      129      ] 

Our  nobles  now,  as  players^  will  be  seen, 
A  Duke's  chaste  daughter  or  a  Margravine: 
Fled  is  the  soft  reserve  and  nicer  sense, 
Those  primal  guards  of  love  and  innocence; 
Unzon'd  the  nymphs,  like  Highland  Charlotte  clad. 

AUTHOR. 

Why  not  a// bare?  less  shame's  in  being  mad.^  220 

OCTAVIUS. 

Soft:   and  o'er  female  failings  lightly  pass; 
And  may  Aglaia  ^  lead  them  to  their  glass, 
Connubial  glories  rising  o'er  their  head. 
As  life's  domestic  happier  stage  they  tread; 

e  The  dress  of  the  preaent  period  has  warranted  the  caricatures  of 
the  day,  particularly  one,  which  is  called  "  The  dress  of  Ladies  as  it  will 
"  be."  I  write  in  A.  D.  Seventeen  Hundred  and  Ninety-six.  Juvenal, 
who  wrote  about  the  year  Ninety-six^  said  on  a  similar  subject,  "  Niulus 
"  agas;  minus  est  insania  turpis."  Sat.  2.  v.  71.  But  strange  to  say,  he 
•was  speaking  of  the  dress  of  men. 

f  Aglaia  is  the  name  of  one  of  the  Graces ;  she  dictated  to  Mr. 
Pope  the  following  lines: 

Let  not  each  beauty  every  where  be  spied, 
Where  half  the  skill  is  decently  to  hide.* 

The  ladies  should  remember  that  the  imagination  is  a  busy  power. 

*  Moral  Epistles,  Ep.  4.  v.  53. 
11 


[      130      ] 

There  may  they  look,  well  pleas'd  themselves  to  find 
The  guardians,  comforts,  teachers  of  mankind. 

AUTHOR. 

I  listen  with  delight:  that  strain  again; 
I'll  bless  the  sex. 

OCTAVIUS. 

Now  pass  to  titled  men. 
Mark,  as  Thalia  calls  in  graceful  air,  230 

The  soft  patrician  of  St.  James's  square  ;S 
Her  7iiiptial^  voice  at  Blenheim  Marlb'rough  heard, 
While  lyric  Carlisle  purrs '  o'er  love  transferr'd. 


g  His  Grace  the  Duke  of  Leeds,  one  of  the  very  best  bred  men  in 
the  kingdom,  and  the  most  polite ;  a  great  patron  of  the  drama  and  its 
concerns. 

h  A  private  theatre  often  proves  a  convenient  cliapel  of  ease  to 
ffymen.— Families  of  rank,  distinction,  and  fortune,  will  at  last  be 
convinced,  what  is  the  natural  and  inevitable  conclusion  of  boys  and  girls 
making  love  to  one  another  upon  any  stage,  public  or  private,  particularly 
in  a  private  theatre.  If  it  terminate  in  marriage,  the  Fathers  and  Mothers 
should  not  be  surprised  or  angry.  If  the  end  of  it,  is  intrigue ;  if  the 
girls  are  debauched,  and  the  boys  come  into  life  with  the  manners  and 
morals  of  Players,  the  parents  maybe  sorry;  but  it  is  their  own  work. 

i  Purrs. — Dr.  Johnson  says,  *'  to  purr  is  to  murmur  as  a  cat  or 
leopard   in  pleasure."     I  have   heard  that  Lord  Carlisl  ■  f^cel  d'amor 


C      131      ] 

Nay  Thurlow  once,  ('tis  said)  could  sing  or  swear, 
Like  Polypbeme^  "I  cannot  cannot  bear;"^ 
For  ah !  presumptuous  Acis  ^^  wrests  the  prize. 
And  ravishes'  the  nympb  before  his  eyes: 


travagliato  Sacripante)  is  writing  an  opera  entitled,  "  Angelica  e 
Medoro."  Angelica  is  supposed  to  be  rather  advanced  in  life;  and  I 
think  htr  grand-daughter  hhvow^ht  on  the  stage. — 'Lvmoifft  (1796.) — 
The  Opera,  as  it  is  conjectured,  is  to  be  dedicated  to  The  Right 
HoirouRABLE  Lady  "Jersey^  in  memory  and  in  imitation  of  the  gallant 
and  accomplished  Medoro,  as  recorded  by  Ariosto: 

"  Delia  Comodita  che  qui  m'c  data, 
lo  povero  Medor,  kc. 
Ariosto  adds,  of  the  noble  Earl^  or  Count, 

"  Era  scritto  in  arabice^  che  il  Conte 
Intendea  cost  ben  come  I.atine." 

O.  F.  Cant.  23.  s.  108. 
N.  B.  If  my  romantic  memory  does  not  deceive  me  Sacripante  was 
jilted  by  Angelica.  See  Ariosto.  But  subjects  of  the  highest  importance 
are  pressing  on  me  so  fast,  that  I  am  obliged  to  dismiss  Lord  Carlisle,  Lady 
Jersey,  &c.  &c.  and  all  thejottths  who  are  dying  for  places  or  for  love,  in 
the  words  of  the  poet, 

Ne  sono  a  Ferrau,  ne  a  Sacripante, 

(O  sia  Carliglio)  per  donar  piii  rima. 

Da  lor  mi  leva  //  Principe  d'Anghmte,   Sec. 

O.  F.  Cant.  12.  3.  96. 

k     "  Torture,  fury,  rage,  despair, 
"  I  cannot,  cannot,  bear." 

Air  (by  Polypheme)  in  the  Serc7iata  of  Acis  and  Galatea, 
kk     Presumptuous  Acis.  (i.  e.  Mr.  Pitt.) — I  allude  to  a  circumstance 
not  generally  known;  but  Avhich,  as  I  Iinve  never  seen  anv  public  notice 


C      132     ] 

Such  feats  his  honour  Uttle  Pepper"^  saw, 

In  all  the  pride  of  music  and  of  law.  240 

of  it,  these  lines  are  meant  to  record.  About  ttvo years  ago  the  Serenata* 
of  Acis  AND  Galatea  (with  some  violation,  I  believe,  of  the  fable, 
and  not  a  little  of  the  harmony  and  of  the  melody)  was  performed  in 
Downing-street  to  a  private  company.  The  part  of  Acis  by  Mr.  Pitt, 
Poljpheme  by  Lord  Thurlow,  and  Galatea  by  Lord  Loughborough. 
Mezzi  Soprani,  Lord  Kenyon  and  Pepper  Arden,  with  a  sort  oi  Alessa 
Bassa\  by  Edmund  Burke  ;  the  other  vocal  parts  hy  a  select  committee 
of  both  Houses  a  due  cori.  I  was  not  present  at  the  entertainment  my- 
self, but  was  informed,  that  Mr.  Pitt,  in  the  execution  of  the  difficult 
passages,  did  not  sufficiently  attend  to  his  appoggiatiiras,  which  indeed  he 
seldom  does;  that  the  baritonooi  Lord  Thurlow  was  quite  Polyphemish, 
and  fully  sustained;  but  that  it  was  impossible  to  do  justice  to  hovd 
Loughborough's  diminuendo,  when — he  died  aivay  in  the  arjns  of  Acis. 
(1796.) 

N.  B  Bishop  Hurd  would  say  this  note  is  allegorical,  or  elcusinian: 
the  late  Mr.  Gibbon  and  Lord  Sheffield  would  as    stoutly  deny  it.     For 

*  Mr.  Pitt  patronizes  musical  performances  on  the  principle  of  ?Z>e 
gods  according  to  Plato;  but  with  Apollo,  Dionusus  is  not  forgotten. 
"  0<  ©E(5<  oix.TiiDXVTii  myCoM'Trb'v  (some  MS.  insert  iroXiiTK6)v)  ivnTro'Jov  7ri:pv!coi 
"  yivoc,  rcci  hi^trxg  x.oii  AttoAAaivs^  iceti  Aiovvs-ov  ^vvit^rxff-Tstg  s'^ofxv."  Plat. 
de  Legibus,  1.  2.*  In  Mr.  Pitt's  musical  ministry,  the  famous  terms  of 
the  Ex-Atio-jj  and  the  EkS«A>)  of  Bacchius  and  Aristides  are  familiar  and 
viuch  used  by  this  great  modern  artist.  The  -i-xXuoi  AvT<<p^«yyo?  (see 
Athenxus  L.  14.  p.  635)  between  Mr.  Pitt  and  Lord  Thurlow  was  much 
admired  by  the  Cabinet  about  the  year  1794" 

t  All  the  Catholics  know  (and  we  have  enough  of  them  to  tell  us,  as 
the  Marquis  and  Marchioness  of  Buckingham  know  to  their  oivn  and  their 
company s  cost)  that  the  Messa  Bassa  is  a  silent  mass  whispered  by  the 
priest  during  a  musical perfoi-mance.  (1796.) 

*  Plat.  Op.  Ed.  Serrani  Tom.  2.  p.  653. 


C      133      ] 
AUTHOR. 

If  truth  and  joke,  though  pleasingly  combine, 
What  credit  will  attend  the  motley  line  ? 
Where  is  your  trust? 

OCTAVIUS. 

To  this  discerning  land 
I  trust,  and  laugh:  there  are  who  understand, 
If  from  state  farces,  when  the  House  is  up, 
Some  seek  the  green  room  and  with  Kemble  sup, 
(For  who  on  modest  merit  shuts  the  door?) 
Leeds  says,  so  gentle  Lselius  did  before: 
Lgslius,  in  whom  each  graceful  act  could  please, 
In  wisdom  mild,  and  dignified  in  ease,  250 


my  own  part  I  think  there  Is  much  eloquent  music  in  these  vietapbors, 
which  record  the  political  conversion  of  Lord  Loughborough  to  Mr. 
Pitt's  party.---^/j .'  le  Grand  Opera  1 ! ! 

1  The  JSfymph,  i.  e.  Galatea,  i.  e.  Lord  Loughborough.  This  was 
more  than  a  Sabine  feat  in  my  opinion.      Who's  afraid  ?  not  Mr.  Pitt. 

m  Little  Pepper^  i.  e.  Sir  Richard  Pepper  Arden,  Kt.  Master  of  the 
Rolls.  His  legal  abilities  have  certainly  been  under-rated,  but  I  have 
dune  ample  justice  to  his  musical poivers. 


C      134     3 
With  Terence  oft  the  pubHc  cares  would  shun. 

AUTHOR. 

Terence  and  Keinbie.... the  dispute  is  done. 
I  ever  mark'd  (deem  not  the  thought  severe) 
What  bounds  divide  the  actor  from  the  peer : 
Confound  them,  I'll  believe  a  saint,  a  rogue  ; 
Andrews  writes  farce,  a  Duke  the  epilogue  ; 
Burke  may  the  right  of  property  invade : 
Steevens  contract  the  Commentator's  trade ; 
To  Erskine,  Kenyon  seems  a  classic  wit ; 
Or  Paine  apologize  for  holy  writ ;  260 

The  Dramatist"  himself  and  fame  belie, 
And  leave  the  stage  for  truth  and  honesty ; 
St.  Helens  quit  his  diplomatic  pomp; 
Siddons  be  comic ;  Jordan  sink  the  Romp ; 
Ireland  prove  Shakspeare ;  Bently  be  Malone  ; 
Thelwall  dread  preaching,  or  high  treason.  Stone ; 

n  See  a  Poem  entitled,  "  The  Political  Dramatist  of  the  House  of 
"  Commons  in  1795:  a  Satire,  2d  Ed.  with  a  Postscript  containing  Re- 
"  marks  on  the  Declaration  of  the  Whig  Club  on  the  23d  of  January 
"  1796."  This  poem  is  recommended  to  the  public  on  those  public  prin- 
ciples, which  I  consider  as  of  the  highest  importance  to  these  kingdoms. 


[     135     ] 

Who  hales  not  Merry,  Jerningham  may  love; 
And  GifFord  Delia  Crusca's  self  approve. 


OCT  A  VI  US. 


Merry  and  Crusca!....GifFord's  right:  beware; 
The  very  ground  is  his  and  Bavian  air.  270 

AUTHOR. 

No :  I'll  not  seek  the  tracts  his  arrows  fire 
With  light  that  marks,  but  marks  not  to  expire; 
The  climes  he  roams,  where'er  his  footsteps  sped, 
I  pass  with  caution,  or  but  lightly  tread. 
Or  pleas'd  with  flowr's  his  fancy  best  Can  strew> 
I  sit,  and  think  I  read  my  Pope  anew. ' 
But  grant  the  stage  is  noble;  I  believe 
Greek  is  plebeian,  with  Lord"  Belgrave's leave: 

1  The  author  of  the  Baviad  and  the  Mxviad.  Mr.  GifFord  is  the 
most  correct  poetical  writer  I  have  read,  since  the  days  of  Pope.  Upon 
the  whole  I  give  the  preference  to  the  Baviad  after  much  consideration, 
though  both  the  Poems  may  be  studied  with  pleasure  and  advantage. — I 
have  not  the  honour  of  Mr.  Gifford's  acquaintance;  and  indeed,  from  the 
nature  of  my  retirement,  I  probably  may  never  see  him.     (1796.) 

n  Lord  Belgrave;  a  learned  and  accomplished  young  nobleman  of 
the  present  time.    At  his  first  entrance  into  the  House  of  Commons,  in  all 


[      136      ] 

Though  now  some  high  imperial  critics  chafe, 
To  think  not  jEschylus  himself  is  safe.  280 

Go  to  his  text:  revise,  digest,  compare, 
With  Porson's  shrewdness,  or  with  Valknaer's  care ; 
But  is  the  learned  page  once  out  of  sight? 
Some  Scotch  Greek  swindling  printer  °  steals  your 
right. 


the  honest  enthusiasm  of  his  heart,  in  academic  freshness  and  classic 
vigour,  he  quoted  a  passage  from  Demosthenes  in  Greek.  This  subjected 
him  to  the  idle  and  impotent  ridicule  oi  the  Dramatist  of  the  House  of 
Commons.^  whose  school-boy  memory  on  that  occasion  happened  to  be  more 
accurate.  Lord  Belgrave  had  done  no  more  than  I  have  often  heard 
from  Mr.  Fox  himself,  who  loves  and  understands  Greek.  As  to  the 
long  and  illustrious  train  of  our  young  nobility  and  gentry,  distinguished 
for  tlieir  conduct  and  attachment  to  their  country,  I  will  say  with  some 
spirit  and  animation ; 

Dii  patrii,  quorum  semper  sub  numine  Troga  esl, 
Non  tamen  omnino  Teucros  delere  paratis. 
Cum  tales  aniraos  Juvenum,  et  tarn  certa  tulistls 
Pectora  1* 

o  I  allude  to  a  transaction  which  seems  to  be  unwairantable.  Mr. 
Porson,  the  Greek  Professor  at  Cambridge,  lent  his  manuscript  corrections 
and  conjectures  on  the  text  ^schylus,  to  a  friend  in  Scotland  ;  for  he 
once,  had  and  I  hope  still  has,  an  intention  of  publishing  that  tragedian, 
though  it  may  now  be  suspended.  His  corrected  text  fell  into  the  hands 
of  the  Scotch  printer  Fowlis,  and  without  the  Professor's  leave  or  even 
knowledge,  he  published  a  magnificent  edition  of  iEschylus  from  it  with- 
out notes.     I  believe  my  statement  is  tolerably  correct.     I  am  sure   I 

*  Yirg.  -En.  9.  v.  247. 


C      137      ] 

But  mark,  the  sea-birds  sound  the  note  of  doom, 
And  venom'd  insects  p  chister  round  the  tomb, 
The  Grecian  billows  foam  along  the  strand, 
In  angry  murmurs  deaf'ning  all  the  land; 
Ranging  for  vengeance  from  his  native  shore, 
AiicHiLocHus  is  rous'd,  to  sleep  no  more,        290 

would  not  misrepresent  any  fact  wliatever,  nor  ever  have  done  so  inten- 
tionally, and  I  would  retract  any  mistake  with  the  utmost  willingness.*  I 
hope  however  that  Mr-  Person  will  not  be  discouraged,  but  continue  his 
labours  on  the  Greek  Lexicon  of  Pbotius^  as  the  learned  world  are  in 
eager  expectation  of  a  Avork  so  long,  and  hitherto  so  vainly,  desired.  But, 
in  my  opinion,  the  lovers  of  literature  would  be  infinitely  more  obliged  to 
him,  or  to  any  other  illustrious  critic,  for  a  new  edition  of  the  Greek 
Bibliotheca  of  Photius^  which  abounds  with  the  most  curious  and  valuable 
Excerpta  of  Writers  whose  integral  works  are  lost  forever.  At  present 
it  is  troublesome  even  to  read  the  remains  of  the  laborious  erudition  of 
the  Patriarch  of  Byzantium.   (1796.) 

p  The  tomb  of  Archilochus  was  placed  on  the  sea-shore,  (I  think  in 
the  island  of  Paros,)  and  the  poets  feigned  that  in  the  cavities  of  the  stone, 
worn  away  by  the  waves,  a  swarm  of  wasps  was  concealed,  ready  to 
avenge  the  least  insult  that  could  be  offered  to  it. — The  subject  of  Greek 
learning  Is  carried  on  in  the  Third  Part  of  this  Poem. 

*  1  was  mistaken  when  I  said  (In  \\\t  first  edition  of  the  Third  Dia- 
logue of  the  P.  of  L.)  that  Mr.  Porson  either  translated  or  corrected  any 
part  of  Alciphron's  Epistles.  I  omitted  it  In  the  second  edition.  But  I 
never  mentioned  it  as  an  object  of  censure.     How  could  I  ? 

END  OF  THE   SECOND   DIALOGUE. 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


DIALOGUE  THE  THIRD. 


AvTK  KivrtSivroi'v  a'  vih  N«xt<  ioiKug. 

E^£t'  S^iiT*  XTTXVivh  ViOIV,  fiiTCC  §'   lOi  I»XS, 

Asjvij  Ss  y.Xxyy/t  ySVEr'  «pyiipee»a  €<9<o 
Ovpvtxg  |K£v  ^p«T«y  £;rft»;^£Te5  ««<  KTNAS  apysff, 
AuTetp  sttsjt'  ATTOI2I  €sA«j  6;(^jTeyxjf  «^<e<; 
B;«AA''  «<£<  ?e  TTVfXi  viKvwv  kxiovto  6»[/,iixi. 

Horn.  II.  I. 


PREFACE 

TO  THE  THIRD  DIALOGUE* 

OF  THE 

PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


liTTif  ri)v  Koivi)  -rxiri  'Su/^^ipovruv,  AKPIBO- 
AOrOYMAI  KAI  AlEHEPXOMAI.f 


I  PRESENT  the  Third  Part  of  this  Poem  to  the  public,  at 
the  same  time  that  I  ofFer  the  Second:  though  I  had  intended  to  delay  it. 
But  some  subjects  are  of  an  importance  serious  and  urgent,  not  to  be  de- 
ferred. Where-ever  the  freedom  of  the  press  exists,  (and  with  us  may 
that  freedom  be  perpetual!)  I  must  assert  ?^rtr  L/'7'£fl^7'f/i?E,  ivell  or  ill 
conducted,  is  i'he  great  engine  by  which,  I  am  fully  persuaded.)  c// civil- 
ized states  must  ultimately  be  supported  or  overthrown. 

It  is  not  enough  to  say,  a  book  is  bulky  or  voluminous,  and  therefore 
can  have  no  effect  upon  the  mass  of  the  people,  because  that  opinion  is 
not  true.  Sucli  a  book  can  not  only  be  abridged  and  dispersed  abroad, 
but  a  man  like  Thomas  Paine,  with  a  rude,  wicked,  and  daring  manner 
of  thinking,  and  with  vulgar  but  impressive  language,  may  blend  the  sub- 
stance of  the  opinions  with  his  own,  and  in  a  short  popular  tract  make 
them  familiar  and  intelligible  to  every  apprehension.  Thus  are  men  fool- 
ed out  of  their  understanding;  fooled  out  of  their  security,  and  fooled  out 
of  their  happiness ;  and  when  they  have  lost  every  blessing  beyond  recovery, 

*  First  printed  in  May,  1796.        t  Demosthenes. 


[      U-2      ] 

they  look  round  at  each  other  in  a  stupid  despair,  clashing  their  chains  and 
unable  to  shake  them  off,  and  ask,  '■'■How  has  all  this  been  brought  about?" 

I  am  no  enemy  to  the  liberty  of  discussion,  and  the  toleration  of 
opinions;  I  am  for  no  literary  proscription.  But  I  think  it  is  plainly  our 
interest^  as  well  as  our  duty,  f  while  we  yet  may  J  to  strive  to  support 
THAT  CONSTITUTION  IN  CHURCH  AND  STATK,  which  has  hitherto 
been  able  to  build  us  up,  and  give  us  an  inheritance,  or  rather  the  pre- 
eminence, among  all  those  who  have  been  strengthened  by  policy,  or 
sanctified  by  revelation.  What  I  would  contend  for  also,  is  this;  that 
among  all  who  are  worthy  to  be  called  scholars  or  legislators,  criticism, 
observation,  and  watchfulness  .are  peculiarly  necessary;  that  men  may 
hear  of  their  common  danger,  and  be  admonished  to  put  a  few  plain 
questions  to  themselves;  "What  are  we  going  to  resign  or  give  up, 
"■  a7id  ivhy?  What  are  we  going  to  adopt,  and  nvherefore?"  I  repeat 
it,  NOW,  in  this  our  day,  while  the  bitterness  of  political  death  is  pressing 
upon  almost  every  other  nation  in  Europe. 

When  we  are  opening  the  avenues  to  Political  Reform,  and  to  the 
consequent  inevitable  dissolution  of  our  own   government,   is  it  possible 
that  we  can  for  a  moment  forget  the  tremendous  Republic?     Over  every 
state,  and  island,  and  promontory  in  Europe  she  sits  tyrant  or  arbitress, 
ATravyxtroti  'OIOS  E<I>EAPOS 

BTSEO0EN  iliov(Tiii\* 

From  every  other  state,  but  England,  the  sceptre  has  fallen  by  the  arms, 
or  the  principles,  or  the  treachery  of  France.  What  she  can  effect  by 
war  and  invasion,  tliat  she  most  readily  and  most  willingly  accomplishes. 
But  she  has  other  means,  nor  less  terrible,  nor  less  certain.  The  Sub- 
terranean wind  of  this  fierce  democracy  has  force  enough  to  overthrow,-- 

*  Callim.  Hvmn.  ad  Deum.  125.       The  imagery  of  this  Hymn  is 
peculiarly  splendid  and  awful.     The  whole  may  be  perused  with  pleasure. 
The  sentiments  and  expressions  have  often  a  sublime  piety. 
Tii^ix  jttei/  XXI  ASs;  itttxi  ptTy);  ys  ^S(7«<£» 

2TpVMflV»a  B'jOiXO'        ©S4J   S'  «£<  XS'TvPiX(>iTO;\ 

^7i\i  ^iM,   T«ig  a-i  ZoyiSooi  xufi^i'^viKii.  ver.  25. 


C      143      ] 

or  to  transport,  hills  and  rocks  torn  from  Pclonis  (a)  and  by  this  explo- 
sion they  too  often  have  perished.  la  the  agony  of  these  reflections  lan- 
guage will  labour,  and  the  images  of  nature  and  all  her  elements  in  con- 
flict and  convulsion  will  present  themseWes. 

When  indeed  I  consider  this  great,  powerful,  and  yet  opulent  kingdom, 
with  all  its  bearings  and  dependencies,  I  know  not  which  to  reprobate 
most,  the  folly  or  the  wickedness  of  its  internal  enemies,  and  of  the  des- 
perate French  faction  in  the  heart  of  its  metropolis.  When  I  think  on 
these  things,  and  at  the  same  time  reflect,  that  the  eyes  of  a  whole  nation 
were  originally  opened  by  One  Man,  and  the  systems  of  internal  destruc- 
tion and  of  irreversible  misery,  which  awaited  us,  were  displayed*  and 
confounded  by  his  powers,  I  pardon  and  forget  his  eccentricities,  and 
even  his  partiality  for  the  Romish  faith  and  its  professors,  and  the  heat 
and  violence  which  too  frequently  and  too  fatally  attend  upon  the  uncon- 
trolled Genius  of  Edmund  Burke.  Sometimes  indeed,  (it  is  when  my 
heart  burn^  within  rae)  I  pour  out  my  thoughts  by  myself  in  contempla- 
tion of  MY  COUNTRY,  which  I  love  with  ardour  unabated,  and  of  its 
GREAT  Citizen,  whom  I  approach  with  reverence,  in  the  words  of  the 
poet : 

Quae  cum  magna  modis  multis  miranda  videtur 
Gentibus  humanis  Regio,  visendaque  fertur, 
Rebus  opima  bonis,  multa  m.unita  virum  vi, 
Nil  tamennoc  habuisse  Viro  PRiECLARius  in  jf, 
Nee  sanctum  magis  etmirum  carumque  videtur.-\ 
But  still  on  such  a  subject,  of  such  a  man,  and  at  such  a  time,  I  would 
speak  with  precision,  and  admire  with  sircumspection.    Let  us  call  to  mind 
for  a  moment  the  few  years  just  past  and  the  txansactions,  the  traces  of 
•which  are  felt  and  visible.     I  would  pass  over  them  rapidly,  but  I  could 

a       "  L'alpestro  monte,  ond'^  tronco  Peloro.'" 

Dant.  Purg.  C.  14. 
Whence  Milton  took  his  famous  words  P.  L.  b.  i.  232. 
*    "  Animo   vidit,  ingenio  complexus   est,    eloquentia  illuminavit." 
These  are  the  words  of  Paterculus  concerning  Cicero.     How  natural  to 
transfer  thera  to  Edmund  Burke!    (1796.) 

t  Lucret.  L.   I.  v.  728. 


[      144      ] 

■wish  the  view  to  be  impressive.  We  have  been  delivered  from  a  state  of 
much  internal  terror  and  impending-  anarchy,  and  from  the  confusion  of  a 
new  political  chaos,  where  all  was  brute  and  disorderly.  Our  constitu- 
tion, our  liberties,  and  our  rights,  (I  fear  not  to  name  the  word,  we 
have  and  enjoy  them  all,  rights  public  and  private)  all  these  have  been 
preserved  and  confirmed.  Eveiy  rank  in  society,  the  peasant,  the  lawyer, 
the  mechanic,  the  farmer,  the  tradesman,  the  private  gentleman,  have 
all  felt  and  acknowledged,  and  obeyed  the  paramount  call  of  their  country. 
Peace  is  within  our  walls,  and  it  is  their  work.  In  the  higher  orders  of 
tiie  state,  and  in  the  sovereign,  we  have  seen  a  gracious  behaviour,  a 
common  interest,  and  equal  exertion,  and  a  regular,  defined,  limited 
power.  Of  such  a  conduct  security  is  the  natural  production ;  it  blossoms 
Into  fruit.  But  with  this,  though  man  might  be  happy,  he  will  not 
always,  or  indeed  long  be  satisfied.  He  will  reach  at  perfection  absolute 
and  unqualified.  He  forgets,  that  theoretical  perfection  in  government 
and  practical  opression  are  closely  allied.  He  will  be  more  than  man,  and 
he  becomes  less.  In  the  year  1788  and  '8g,  the  visionary  prospect  from 
the  shore  of  France  opened  on  the  eyes  of  our  modern  Reformers. 
England  looked  upon  these  Reformers,  and  the  government  neglected 
them.  Societies,  in  the  very  face  of  an  insulted  legislature,  boldly 
multiplied,  and  magnified,  and  consolidated  each  other.  All  grew  up 
in  silence.  There  was  no  public  apprehension  among  the  well-affected,  no 
distrust.  We  laughed  at  metaphysical  distinctions,  and  idle  terms  of  scho- 
lastic art,  and  revolutionary  dinners  and  republican  toasts.  It  was  an  hour 
of  general  and  of  unaccountable  indifference.  The  great  chain  of 
posts,  and  a  species  of  telegraphic  communicaiion  had  been  established 
unperceived.  The  English  Revolution  in  1688  was  held  up  to  seeming- 
approbation  and  reverence,  but  in  reality  to  secret  or  rather  to  open  con- 
tempt ;  and  the  Revolution  in  France  17S8,  was  the  Revolution  which 
they  intended  to  re-alize  and  to  celebrate.  The  Reformers  strove  to  buy 
golden  opinions  of  their  fellow  citizens,  and  to  wear  them  in  the  newest 
gloss.  The  external  decoration  deceived  the  eye.  The  painted  sepulchre 
was  prepared  and  whited  without,  the  vault  and  receptacle  of  all  our 
ancient  liberties,  and  rights,  and  securities,  and  properties,  and  common 
comforts.  Still  we  beheld  all  this,  but  went  our  way,  and  forgot  what 
manner  of  ni(-n  these   Reformers  were.      At   this  very  hour,   when   tlie 


I 


C      145     ] 

public  mind  was  darkened  that  It  could  not  discern,  when  in  every  quarter 
of  the  heaven  appeared  vapour,  and  mist,  and  cloud,  and  exhalation ; 

Lapiovamaladetta,fredda,  e  greve^ 
( Regola  e  qualita  ('estrana  e  nuova) 
Grandine  grossa,  e  acqua  tinta,  e  neve, 
Per  I'aer  tenebroso  si  riversa;  (a) 

at  this  very  hour  the  morning  horizon  began  suddenly  to  redden.  It 
was  the  dawn.  Then  indeed,  "  First  in  his  east  the  glorious  lamp 
was  seen,  Regent  of  Dayl"  This  luminary  was  Edjiund  Burke. 
Light  broke  upon  them  all.  The  features  of  misrule  and  malignity,  of 
tyranny  and  of  opression,  the  fabled  sceptres  and  hostile  powers  figured  by 
poets  and  orators,  were  realized  in  the  spirits  of  turbulence,  dissatisfaction, 
sedition,  rebellion,  and  democracy.  But  they  were  seen  to  be  dispersed. 
The  rays  of  the  orb  were  direct,  collected  and  concentrated:  they  had 
power  to  illuminate  and  to  consume.  But  the  course  of  this  orb, 
though  marked,  was  short.     It  is  set ;  never  to  return.* 

ETAEIi;!   «AA'a  Hao  AsA^s-^sno*  £!r^,H»  AXIAAEYl 

But  I  must  proceed....!  confess,  that  I  am  not  such  a  desperate  lover 
of  what  is  brought  to  me  for  abstract  political  truth,  as  never  to  make  an 
inquiry  into  the  character  of  the  proposers  of  it,  their  personal  views,  and 
the  men  and  measures  with  which  they  are  connected.     I  feel  myself  a 
member  of  regulated  society,  and  I  would  maintain  an  established  order. 
I  acknowledge  myself  a  subject  of  a  mild  and  equitable  government, 
(though  under  a  most  severe   temporaiy  pressure)  and   I  would  preserve 
that  government  which  gives  us  all  protection.    And  when  I  adopt  the, 
great  rule,  that  "  we  should  love  our  neighbour  as  ourselves,"  I  have  not— > 
yet  made  such  advances  in  the  theory  of  political  justice  and  in  the  new   \ 
Avisdom,  as  coolly  to  assert,  that  "  this  maxim,  though  possessing  considera-^  <( 
"  ble  merit  as  a  popular  principle,  is  not  strictly  modelled  ivitb  philqsophi-    .  i 


li 

■-J' 


a     Dante   Inf.   C.   6.     From  w  bat  other  Poet,   ancient  or  modern, 
could  I  draw  forth  such  expressions? 

*  (August  1797.)         b     Horn.  II.  23.  V.  6g. 


/ 


[      146     ] 

y       "  C3\  precision."  (a)  I  have  not  yet  learned  to  treat  the  Revelation  of  Gor», 

.'  or  the  uistltutions  of  my  country,  with  contumely.  I  have  no  romantic 
ideas  of  virtues  without  motives,  and  of  actions  witliout  regulations.  I 
believe  it  to  be  a  matter  of  general  safety,  that  crimes  should  be  discerned, 
as  well  as  repressed,  by  legal  sanctions;  and  that  the  nature  of  justice 
and  of  injustice  should  be  declared,  taught,  and  enforced,  by  law,  by  reli- 
gion, and  by  education.  Experience  has  instructed  me,  and  reason  and  reflec- 
tion have  confirmed  me  in  the  belief,  that  Conscience  may  be  erroneous; 
that  it  is  a  monitor  wliich  needs  advice,  and  a  guide  which  often  calls  for 
superior  direction.  I  look  upon  justice  as  the  foundation  (b)  and  support, 
but  not  as  the  ivhok  of  human  duty;  and  I  cannot,  in  insulting  language, 

4  resolve  the  sum  and  substance  of  all  governnsent  and  civil  society  into 
"  Laws  proclaimed  by  Heralds,  and  expounded  by  Curates."  (c) 

V  Yet  do  I  not  s-pc^k  prafessional/j.     I  liave  no  personal  interference  in 

\,  the  church,  the  law,  or  the  state.  But  I  speak  again  and  again,  with 
e;<rnestness  and  with  sincerity,  from  the  mingled  affections  of  regard,  fear, 
and  hope  for  us  all  (and  I  trust,  we  are  the  great  majority)  who  yet  re- 
main firm,  constant,  and  unshaken  by  such  writers  as  these.  I  speak  to 
all,  who  have  the  courage,  and  learning,  and  ability  to  repress  them, 
not  b)'  force,  (God  forbid!)  but  ny  reasoning,  and  by  appeals  to  the  un- 

a  See  an  inquiry  into  Political  Justice,  by  William  Godwin.  2d. 
Edition  8vo.  vol.  i.  page  127. 

b  AiKd  TToXiuf  oic-^ciM?  BA&TON.  (Pindar.)  But  who  calls  a /owh- 
dation,  a  building  ?....The  whole  passage  of  the  poet  has  such  strength 
and  grace,  when  applied  to  Great  Britain,  that  I  will  present  it  to  our 
Grecian  patriots.  "  OiKov  uuifov  uffroig,  |£v«<(r«  ai  h^x-TtrovTU,  7»»c-o^«<  rav 
eAoiJ«v  Kopfv^ov,  7>do6voov  IIoTjiS^vo?,  ««yAa:c.-iis^ov.  E»  tS  yx^  ILvvoiint  vxtti, 
■AXTiyv.ircn  t£,  A<x«  ttoA^wv  cce-^paXt?  Qat^^oy,  y.eci  oftoTfoTroi  'Eifxva,  Tci/^ixt 
cttdpoic-i  TAitTa,  ^fveiyA  Trcuhg  ivZ'tsXcv  Qif/.tTO^^  xXi^itv  vop^v,  y,opt>v  f/.ccripct 
hx(rvju.vfiov.  Ev  2i  Mom-'  u^uTrvooi,  m  ^'  Ap»ij  v'.a'v  vXictK;  xi^^uZi^riv  xvd^S'iy. 
Find.  Olymp.  O.  13. 

c     See  Godwin  on  Justice  as  above,  vol.  2.  p.  299. 

H<sc  Ego  nan  credam  Venus ina  dignalucernd? 

Hcec  Ego  non  agitem? 

Juv.  Sat.  I.  V.  51. 


C      147      ] 

derstanding,  and  the  social  relations  of  their  fellow-creatures.  1  speak  to 
all  who  can  rescue  them  from  the  cold  unfeeling  tyranny  of  modern  meta- 
physics, as  exhibited  in  the  new  systems  of  government  and  manners, 
(religion  they  have  none)  and  from  nonsense  which  must  at  last  be  found 
impracticable,  when  every  estate  and  condition  of  man  has  been  over- 
thrown for  tlielr  pleasure  and  experiments,  that  these  new  arbiters,  or 
creators,  of  human  destiny  may  introduce  a  government  without  principles, 
laws  without  mercy,  and  morality  without  a  motive. 

The  main  point  of  rest  to  every  empire  is  the  principle  on  which  volun- 
tary and  habitual  obedience  is  paid  to  established  authority.  Half  a  cen- 
tury is  insufficient ybr  any  new  power  or  constitution  to  find  its  level.  It 
is  indeed  matter  of  great  patience,  as  well  as  of  deepest  concern,  to  rea- 
sonable men,  to  observe  what  is  still  carr)'ing  on  in  this  country  in  defi- 
ance of  every  evil  which  has  been  felt,  and  will  long  continue  to  be  felt, 
from  the  Introduction  of  new  principles  among  other  nations.  For  the 
sentence  of  final  destruction  seems  to  be  now  executing  on  the  various 
governments  of  Europe. 

"  Yes  I  must  weep  for  you,  ye  rival  vales, 
"  Arno  and  Andalusia  !  but  for  thee 
"  More  largely,  and  with  filial  tears  must  weep, 
"  O  Albion,  O  my  country !    Must  thou  Join, 
"  In  vain  dissever' d  from  the  rest? — " 

I  trust  not  in  vain,   (a)   Still  the  last  dispensation  of  mercy  is  offered  To 

a  Historical  facts  of  ancient  times  are  wholly  inadequate  to  the 
illustration  of  the  present  great  events,  but  some  passages  are  not  unwor- 
thy of  attention.  In  the  256th  year  of  Rome,  when  the  Latins  declared 
for  Tarquin,  the  Conscript  Fathers  were  not  terrified,  though  all  their 
Allies,  the  Rutuli,  the  Volsci,  and  other  powers  deserted  them.  The 
Senate  was  still  bold,  though  Rome  had  rebellious  subjects  in  tlie  heart  of 
the  metropolis,  and  the  State  and  Constitution  were  preserved.  There 
•were  men  who,  like  the  Tookes  and  Thelwalls  of  onr  days,  taught  the 
people,  "|e«»)  (ptXe^ufUY  6v  ToXn  uri^ivo?  xvrot?  tty»i^  /^iTxai^ao-n,"  and  en- 
forced all  the  popular  arguments  of  revolt  and  sedition.  I  refer  to  the 
fifth  B.  of  the  Roman  Antiquities  of  Dionysius  Halicarnassensis,  Sect.  63, 


[      148      ] 

tHJS  island:  and  it  is  only  to  be  deserved  and  continued  to  us  by  firm- 
ness, temperance,  and  piety,  and  by  perseverance  in  the  constitution  sacred 
and  civil  wbicb  now  is,  without  daring  to  attempt  any  present  innovation 
in  theory  or  in  practice.  It  is  indeed  by  looking  calmly,  (not  as  slaves  or 
bigots,  but  as  wise  men  ;)  upon  those  imperfections,  which  human  institu- 
tions never  can  prevent,  or  wholly  remove,  that  we  mzyjet  hope,  under 
Providence,  to  preserve  for  ourselves  and  our  posterity  the  blessings  of 
cultivated  society,  in  this  awful  and  general  convulsion  of  Europe.  They 
are  best  secured  to  us  by  our  present  form  of  government  and  laws,  which 
being  just  in  their  principle,  temperate  in  their  effects,  impartial  in  their 
application,  and  merciful  in  their  execution,  have  the  sanction  of  time, 
of  wisdom,  and  of  experience.  In  whatever  shape  French  Philosophy  may 
approach,  however  recommended,  or  dignified,  or  disguised,  by  scholars, 
or  by  ignorant  and  seditious  men,  in  Greek,  in  Latin,  in  French,  or  in 
English,  I  would  resist  and  repel  it.  "Whenever  the  machine  appears 
before  the  walls,  I  shall  never  regard  it  as  the  gift  of  Minerva,  but  call 
aloud  to  try  the  temper  and  the  substance  of  it,  ferro  Argolicas  fmdare 
latedrasy  to  distnist  the  present,  and  to  reject  the  offer.  Let  the  enemy 
be  dragged  forth  to  light  and  shewn  as  he  is,  and  I  will  yet  trust  that  the 
kingdom  and  the  citadel  may  stand. 

The  THIRD  PART  of  this  poem  opens  with  a  playful  subject,  and  it 
is  treated  as  such.  But  as  the  poem  advances,  I  must  (to  use  a  prophet's 
expression)  shevj  mj  dark  speech  upon  the  harp,  and  must,  now  and  then 
perchance,  strike  the  strings  somewhat  loudly,  and  descend  into  a  more 
severe  and  a  more  solemn  harmony.     But  what  I  estee^n  to  be  necessary, 

which  is  curious  and  instructive.  But  one  sentence  of  this  neglected 
Historian  is  so  singularly  applicable  to  our  own  immediate  circumstances 
(August  1797)  that  it  may  not  be  improper  to  insert  it.  It  is  from  the 
62d.  Section  of  the  5th  Book.  "  Ovhiv  «<  Taifcuiot  reii-uvaiiVTi;,  «  -rrxiuv 
"  £<xej  nv  TSJ5  |ttey«vT£  ■jroXiju.ov  ccvxipoufctvov;,  kxi  HAEAS  AnEFN^KOTAS 
"  STMMAXIKAS  EAIIIAAS,  xXXx  rctii  oiKUxti  ^vvuictffi  -Trte-riva-civrti 
"  fiovxii,   5r«XA4»  "TTOoSviAOTtpoi   -TT^ti  Tflv   Ayuvu  lyivovTo,   a>i  otx  TYf>  ccvwyxiiv 

"  thtxii  ocftfcui  Kxrofiaxrxvrii  rov  7teMju.6y,    aoivi  xoivucuuivoi  rrti  o«|»i?." 

Diou.  Halicarn.  Rom.  Hist.  I.  5.  S.  6c. 


C      149     ] 

that  I  win  declare ;  and  Avhat  I  feel  it  to  be  my  duty  to  represent,  that  I 
will  have  the  boldness  to  publish.  Through  the  whole  course  of  my  life, 
in  every  trying  circumstance,  and  in  every  wayward  event,  public  and 
private,  J  have  held  fast  the  concise  and  strong  admonition  of  the  poet: 

Tu  NE  CEDE  MALis;  sed  contra  audentior  ito, 

^10771  tua  te  Fortune  sinet. 
My  learning  and  researches,  such  as  they  are,  I  submit  to  scholars  ; 
my  opinions,  my  labour,  and  my  services,  in  the  integrity  of  affection,  I 
offer  TO  MY  country;  my  errors  and  defects  I  leave  to  public  reprehen- 
sion, in  a  respectful  silence.  Whether  men  will  hear,  or  whether  they 
will  not  hear,  is  not  strlctlv  mv  personal  concern;  but  my  intention  no 
man  taketh  from  «je. 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


DIALOGUE  THE  THIRD* 


OCTAVIUS. 


^W^HAT  then,  shall  none  remain,  to  whom  belongs 
The  care  of  Attic  bards  and  Dorian  songs?  ^ 
Shall  England  boast  no  more,  in  order'd  clans, 
Her  owls  from  Athens  and  her  Delian  swans? 
Is  no  memorial  left  of  ancient  fame, 
No  dirge  funeral,  nor  ofie  Grecian  game? 


*  First  printed  in  May,  1796. 

t  Athenxi  Dcipnosophist:  L.  14.  p.  617.  Ed.  Casaub. 
a     The  subject  of  Greek  Literature  is  resumed.     See  the  conclusion, 
of  the  Second  Dialogue. 


C     152     ] 

AUTHOR. 

There  is:  lo,  learned  dllZX^^  in  sable  stole, 
Graceful  inyears^  pant  eager  for  the  goal.  ^^ 
Old  Norb'ry  ^  starts,  and  with  the  seventh-form  ^  boys 
In  weeds  of  Greek  the  church-yard's  peace  annoys. 
With  classic  Weston,  ^^  Charley  Coote,  and  Tew,  ^ 
In  dismal  dance  about  the  mournful  yew.  12 

aa  I  allude  to  the  rage  for  translating  Gray's  Elegy  into  Greek  verse, 
by  so  many  combatants  for  the  prize,  of  whom  more  in  the  following 
notes. 

b  The  Reverend  Doctor  Norbury,  late  one  of  the  Assistants  and 
now  one  of  the  Fellows  (or  old  boys)  at  Eton,  publised  the  first  Greek 
translation  of  the  Elegy. 

c  In  Eton  School  there  are  but  six  forms  for  the  boys — These 
Reverend  Divines,  it  seems,  have  only  taken  one  step  since  they  left 
school. 

cc  The  Rev.  Mr.  Stephen  Weston  is  a  man  of  much  ingenuity, 
great  classical  knowledge,  and  skilled  in  various  languages. 

d     Monsieur    Peltier    (Editor   of  the    Tableau   de    Paris,    Sec.) 
favoured  me  with  the  following  record  and  extract,  which  I  give  in  his 
own  French  terms,  as  they  are  very  significant  and  forcible. 
"  Place  de  la  Traduction. 

"  Jean  NoRnuar,  Docteur  en  Theologie,  Chanoine  et  associe  a 
"  Eton.     ^4ge  soixante  et  huit  ans. 

"  EriENNE  JVeston,  Bachelier  en  Theologie,  Abbe,  Voyageur, 
"  Versificateu;-,  c!  devant  Recteur.    Ag^  cinquante  ans. 

"  Charles  CooTe,*  Docteur  en  Theologie,  Doien  Irlandois.  Age 
"  cinquante  et  deux  ans,  selon  le  registre. 

*  P.  S.  J'ai  recue  une  lettre  tres  obligeante  de  la  part  de  Monsieur 
Pi-'ticr,  dont  j'ai  la  pin?  haute  con'^ideration,  qui  m'a  informc,  qu'il  y  a  une 


C      153      ] 

But  first  in  notes  Sicilian  ^  plac'd  on  high, 
Bates  sounds  the  soft  preluding  symphony ; 

"  Edquard  Tei^,  Bachelier  en  Theologie,  Chanolne  et  Associe  a 
Eton,  Jige  cinquante  et  sept  ans. 

Guillotines  a  la  Grecquc^  23  Floreal  ^intidi,  1796. 

Extrait  du  Registre  de  la  Guillotine  Literaire." 

N.  B.  lis  sont  month  sur  I'  ecbaffaut  avec  assez  de  courage;  a  dix- 
beures  et  un  quart  du  matin  leurs  tetes  sont  tonibh." 

Extrait  du  Rapport  fait  au  conseil  des  anciens,  par  I'Executeur 
de  la  haute  justice  lite'raire. 

e  Notes  Sicilian — Joah  Bates,  Esquire,  as  an  old  Etonian, 
and  once  Fellow  and  Tutor  of  King's  College,  Cambridge,  was  io 
obliging  as  to  offer  himself  as  Musical  Conductor  on  the  occasion.  Some 
persons  may  think,  that  the  "notes  Sicilian"  allude  to  the  Ap;^^£Tg  ILiy.ii^txmi 
Tu  mvSio?,  ctp)(^iri  Mtua-xi:*  but  they  are  no  musicians,  if  they  think  so. 
Mr.  Bates's  judgment  naturally  led  him  to  adopt  the  Siciliana  for  this 
famous  solemnity,  as  it  is  a  movement  slower  and  more  marked  than  the 
Giga.  While  the  Siciliana  was  playing,  the  combatants,  before  they 
entered  the  lists,  approached  the  Critic's  throne  moving  in  a  sort  of  mea- 
sured step.  The  Reverend  Mr.  Nares,  (editor  of  the  British  Critic, 
and  in  my  estimation,  and  I  believe  in  that  of  every  member  of  Lincoln's 

petite  meprise  dans  le  Registre  au  sujetde  Monsieur  le  Docteur  Coote, 
Traducteur  celebre.  Qu'il  n'etoit  pas  Doien  Irlandois  and,  par  consequent, 
grand  theologien,  mais  Docteur  en  Droit  Civil  en  Angleterre,  tres  instruit 
dans  la  grammaire  Grecque.  Monsieur  Peltier  avec  le  zele  le  plus  edifiant 
pour  la  verite,  et  avec  beaucoup  d'onction,  m'a  prie  de  corriger  le 
registre  et  la  poe'sie  la  desus;  et  m'a  informe,  que  Monsieur  Nares 
Auteur  tre's  aimable  en  son  genre,  et  editeur  de  I'ouvrage  periodi- 
que,  (The  British  Critic)  la  voulut  aussi  avec  beaucoup  d'  empressement. 
Malheureusement  c'est  impossible;  et  j'ai  repondu  tres  franchement: 
"  Mon  cher  Peltier,  quand  une  fois  la  tete  doctorale  est  tombcc  ;  eh  I  que 
"  fairer"   (Nov.  i-jc,-j.J 

*  Moschi  Epit.  in  Bion.  v.  i. 
U 


[      154      ] 

And  in  sad  cadence,  as  the  bands  condense, 
The  curfew  tolls  the  knell  o^ parting  Sense. 

Nares  ^  holds  the  prize,  and  stops  the  Doric  din^ 
Elmsley  s  without  and  Rivington  within; 

Jm?j,  a  gentleman  of  worth,  learning  and  ability,  and  to  wlioin  not  the 
slightest  disrespect  is  here  intended)  was  appointed  the  judge  or  Bpct^iv^ 
an  the  occasion,  and  beheld  them  without  emotion,  though  the  sight  was 
luxuriant  in  the  extreme.^ 

O'er  their  warm  cheeks,  and  rising  bosoms  move 
T/be  bloom  of  young  desire,  and  purple  light  of  love.* 
— Had  the  combatants  been  political  personages,  I  would  have  described 
the  whole  game,  and  the  characters,  and  their  speeches  in  the  poem.    But 
I  learned  earlv  from  Cervantes  the  necessity  of  limitation  and  propriety  \n 
fiction;  though  this  is  a  mere  record  of  a  matter  of  fact. 

f  I  always  admired  the  solemn  irony,  with  which  the  Revle^vers  in 
The  British  critic  treated  this  Grecian  game  among  the  old  boys.  It 
appeared  to  me  as  if  I  saw  their  exercises  looked  over  at  Eton  by  Dr» 
Davies,  who  said,  "  Norbury,  you  have  6.one pretty  well;'' — "Tew,  you 
"  had  a  few  faults,  but  a  little  more  spirit  than  Norbury;" — "  Weston, 
"  you  have  translated  with  some  elegance,  but  you  have  no  authority  for  your 
"  genitive  absolute.'' — "  Master  Coote,  I  think  you  have  one  false  quantity, 
"  but  it  is  a  doubtful  syllable,  and  I  sha]l/)a5.v  it  this  time.''  It  is  something 
odd,  that  a  Westminster  man,  (I  mean  Mr.  Nares,)  should  be  the  Judge 
of  these  old  Eton  boys. 

g  Elmsley  t  and  Rivington,  two  London  booksellers,  one  famed  for 
shrewdness,  and  the  other  for  orthodoxy.     Very  proper  assessors  to  the 

*  Cray's  Progress  of  Poetry. 

t  I  know  not  why  I  should  withliold  the  Testimonia  Doctorum  to  Mr 
Elmsley.  To  begin; — "  Mr.  Elmsley,  whose  zeal  for  his  Author  can 
"  never  be  sufiiciently  commended,"  Sec. — See  Mr.  Bryant's  letter  to  Mr. 
Richardson  at  the  end.  Hear  Mr.  Cibbon:  "  Je  trouve  dans  le 
Libraire  Elmsley,  un  Conseiller  sage,  instruit,  et  discret."  Mr.  Gibbon  to 
Mr.  Deyverdun.    Letters,  vol.  2.  4to.  p.  596.    Again:  "  I  was  j^rsud  and 


[      155     ] 

The  volumes  are  arrang'd  in  order  meet, 

And  all  their  ears  erect  these  accents  greet:       20 

"  Hail,  my  fond  masters  of  the  Grecian  lyre ! 
"  Hear  a  Reviewer's  verse  yourselves  inspire: 
"  These  books  are  yours,  (oh,  heed  my  tunefidvoice) 
"  Take'em,  or '  damn'em,  as  best  suits  your  choice ; 

Crstic.  Mr.  Elmsley  Avas  stiitioned  at  the  door  to  keep  the  peace 
among  the  combatants,  who  were  rather  noisy  and  troublesome  from 
their  number.  Afterwards  Mr.  Elmsley  took  his  seat  with  the  Critic. 
The  place  of  the  meeting  was  the  celebrated  Musical  Room  in  Hanover 
Square.      See  a  subsequent  note. 

i  Damn'em. — "  This  (word)  is  to  be  understood  in  a  very  sober  and 
"  decent  sense."  See  Bishop  Warburton's  note  on  one  of  the  concluding 
lines  of  Pope's  Story  of  Sir  Balaam,  Moral  Ep.  3.  v.  401.  Pope's  Works 
edit.  Warb.  8vo.vol.  3.  p.  269.  "  The  Devil  and  the  King  divide  the 
"  prize;"  which  line  the  bishop  with  the  utmost  gravity  declares  to  be  "a 
"  satire  only  on  such  ministers  of  state,  which  history  informs  us  have  been 
"  found,  ivbo  aided  the  devil  in  his  temptations,  in  order  to,  Sec.  Sec."  See 
the  remainder  of  the  note.  This  it  is  to  be  a  commentator  on  a  mere 
badinage !  I !  There  certainly  are  books  which  may  make  a  Reviewer  or 
a  Divine  swear  a  little.  I  readily  excuse  Mr.  Nares  (as  I  do  Mr.  Grubb 
in  the  farce)  for  being  a  little  hasty  in  his  expressions.     Longinus  (who 

*^  happy,  if  I  could  prevail  on  £/wj/ey,  to  enliven  the  dullness  of  the  evening." 
lb.  p.  653.  Booksellers  of  reputation  have  been  always  mentioned  with 
respect;  The  Socii  by  Horace,  and  Trybbo  by  Quintilian:  Mr.  Tonson 
is  recorded  by  a  man  of  talents,*  Mr.  Bkckkt  by  Sterne,  Mr.  Elmsley 
by  Mr.  Bryant  and  Mr.  Gibbon,  and  finally  by  his  humble  servant,  the 
Author  of  the  Pursuits  of  Literature. 

*  George  Steevens,  Esq.  editor  of  Shakespeare,  in  his   Preface  to  the 
Poet's  works. 


[      156      ] 

"  For  some  are  new,  some  foolish,  and  some  old, 
"  Some  pert  in  calf,  and  some  i7i  sheets  are  bold. 

"  Twelve  British  Critics,  new  or  little  read; 
"  Horsley's  chaste  sermon,  ^  and  his  copper  head; 


gives  excellent  directions^  in  his  treatise  on  the  sublime  for  swearing  te 
the  best  advantage)  observes   "  E(7t<v  s  to  oTrua-^v  rivce.  OMOSAI  f^iyx,  t» 

"    as  TTH,     SCCti    TTHlg,     KCCl    i^'     6JV     KXtp/UV,     KXl    TUO?    'iViKX."  Dc     Subl.     S.     I  6. 

The  substance  of  which  may  be  this;  "  Swearing  considered  in  Itself,  and 
"  without  reference  to  the  matter  and  the  manner,  is  by  no  means  an  ac- 
"  complisbment,  or  a  scource  of  the  sublime,  and  should  never  be  introduced^ 
"  but  in  the  proper  place  and  occasion,  and  then  only  upon  the  most  urgent 
"  motives  and  for  the  strongest  reasons."  From  all  which  it  appears,  that 
discipline  and  instruction  in  this  art  are  necessary,  before  a  man  can  swear 
as  a  gentleman,  a  scholar,  an  orator,  or  a  man  of  fashion.  Therefore,  no 
man  should  ever  swear  at  random  in  conversation.  See  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Longinus's  Sermon,  as  above,  in  toto;  to  which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nares  cer- 
tainly paid  due  attention. 

k  See  his  Sermon  before  the  Magdalens,  (in  4to)  on  April  22,  1795. 
I  wish  the  Bishop  had  put  an  appendix  (as  the  fashion  is)  to  explain  a 
little  of  it,  thoug'n  in  some  places  it  is  very  intelligible. — For  instance,  in 
the  following  passage,  page  6.  "  Numberless  and  ravishing  are  the  beau- 
"  ties  which  the  mortal  ete  beholds,  in  the  various  works  of  creation  and 
"  of  art.  Elegant  and  of  endless  variety  the  entertainments  which  are 
"  provided  for  the  ear:  whether  it  delight  to  listen  to  the  sober  narra- 
"  tives  of  history,  or  the  wild  fictions  of  romance ;  whether  it  hearken  to 
"  the  grave  lessons  of  the  moralist,  to  the  abstruse  demonstrations  of 
"  science,  the  roz^/iii  periods  of  eloquence,  the  sprightly  flourishes  of  rheto- 
"  ric,  the  smooth  numbers  and  bold  flights  of  poetry,  or  catch  the  encbant- 
"  /»^  sounds  of  harmony;  that  poetry,  which  sings  of  (something;)  that 
"  harmony  which  fans  (one  thing)  and  wefts  (another)"  &c.  &c.  And 
as  if  the  Bishop  had  not  been  plain  enough,  he  begins  again ;  "  Infinite  is 
"  the  multitude  oi pleasurable  forms  which"  do,  as  before  observed.   The 


[      157     ] 

*'  Letters  from  Alciphron  ^  to  cool  love's  flame, 
"  And  prove  Greekwhores  andEnglish  justthe  same; 
"  The  Hymns  that  Taylor, "'  England's  gentile  priest, 
"  Sung  spousal  at  fair  Psyche's  marriage  feast ;     30 


reader  will  allow,  he  never  before  met  with  so  much  recondite  truth, 
diversified  with  such  beautiful  and  discriminating  epithets.  The  Bishop 
might  as  well  have  said:  "  What  a  charming  place  Loxdon  is!  what 
"  varieties  and  entertainments  are  provided  for  the  eye  and  ear.  First^ 
*'  there's  the  House,  of  Lords,  then  Westminster  Abbey,  then  the  Opera 
"  House  and  the  Play-house.  There's  Doctor  Gillies  who  provides  sober 
"  history^  and  Mrs.  Smith,  ivild  romance;  there's  Mr.  Pitt  with  his  round 
"  eloquence,  and  Mr.  Erskine  absolutely  fainting  In  sprightly  faurisbes; 
"  there  are  Scotchmen  teaching  _§-rflt)e  morality  and  Greek;  Dr.  Huttoii 
"  with  abstruse  demonstrations  honv  all  things  made  themselves:  there  is 
"  Mr.  Jerningham  with  his  smooth  numbers,  and  Dr.  Tasker  with  his  bold 
"  flights,  Madame  Banti  at  the  Opera,  and  the  little  children  at  the 
*'  Foundling:  there  are"  £cc.  Sec.  Sec. — All  this  might  do  well  enough  at 
a  polite  devotional  lounge,  at  some  fashionable  w^arm  chapel  from  a  popular 
preacher ;  but  I  am  really  ashamed  that  Bishop  HoRSLEr  should  conde- 
scend to  write,  or  pronounce  ex  cathedra  such  trivial  school-boy  declama- 
tion about  nothing  at  all.,  and  \.hcn publish  it.  Men  In  high  station  and  of 
high  talents  (like  Bishop  Horsley)  should  be  careful,  very  careful,  how 
they  lessen  themselves  by  their  own  words  and  works ;  and  if  Bishop  Hor- 
sley goes  on  in  this  style,  and  as  he  has  done  in  several  of  his  later  produc- 
tioTis,  whatever  his  politics  may  be,  he  certainly  never  will  Incur  the  dan- 
ger of  The  Second  Philippic. 

1  Alciphron's  Epistles;  in  which  are  described  the  domestic  man- 
ners, the  Courtezans  and  the  Parasites  of  Greece,  Translated  from  the 
Greek. 

m  Thomas  Taylor,  translator  of  Plotinus,  parts  of  Plato,  the  fable 
of  Cupid  and  Psyche  from  Apuleius,  Hymns,  Sec.  the  would-be  restorer  of 
unintelligible  mysticism  and  superstitious  pagan  nonsense.     All  that  lam- 


C      158     ] 

"  The  alphabet  in  Greek  by  R.  P.  Knight ; " 

"  Some  rules  for  men  to  think  and  study  right ; 

"  An  Eton  Foolscap,  with  the  game  of  goose 

"  Printed  by  Pote,  types  large  and  cover  loose  ; 

*'  An  Education  Sermon,  rather  long. 

"  By  Doctor  Parr,  all  in  the  vulgar  tongue  ; 

"  Last,  Horsley's  master-piece, ""  and  merry  plans, 

"  To  accent  right  the  goods  of  courtezans. 


blichus  revealed  to  ^Jesius. — Mr.  Taylor,  in  conjunction  with  Dr.  Dar- 
win, might  solve  the  following  problem  ;  "  Whether  a  Platonic  idea, 
"  hovering  to  the  right  on  the  orifice  of  chaos,  might  drive  away  the 
"  squadrons  of  democratical  atoms  ?"  Rabelais,  at  the  end  of  Book  5. 
^lestions  Pbilosophiques.  For  my  own  part  I  am  not  disposed  to  go  any 
further,  as  Lycophron.  Cassand.  v.  14.  expresses  it,  Ao^av  ic,  5<e|a§s5  eT^v, 

n  An  analytical  Essay  on  the  Greek  Alphabet^  by  R.  P.  Knight. — 
P.  may  stand  for  Payne  or  Priapiis  Knight,  in  allusion  to  his  Essay  on  the 
Worship  of  Priapus. 

nn  See  a  treatise  on  the  Prosodies  of  the  Greek  and  Latin  lan- 
guages, dedicated  to  Lord  Thurlow  by  (Bishop  Horsley.)  I  allude  to 
the  Bishop's  pleasant  comment^  p.  47,  so  universally  admired,  on  the 
Attic  Law,  ETi»jp«  ^pc^ix  u  (pofoii)  ^u,t4()(?<«  i<rrcj.  My  gallantry  forbids 
me  to  use  any  accents  at  all  upon  these  ladies,  especially  since  the 
Bishop  has  shewn  me,  how  dangerous  it  is  to  meddle  with  them.  In  this 
short  passage  there  are  four  personages  virtually  concerned ;  Alexander 
Aphrodisiensis,  Aristotle,  Venus,  and  Bishop*Horsley 111!     I  assure  his 

*  I  shall  express  my  opinion  of  Bjshop  Horsley,  as  a  ivriter,  in  the 
■words  of  Erasmus;  '■'■Ex  libris  deprehendi  hominem  esse  ardentis  ingenii, 
varijc  lectionls,  et  multx  memorix  alicubi  tamen  niajore  copia  quam 
delectu,  ac  dictione  tumu!tuosa  magis  quam  composita."  Erasmus,  Ep. 
1248. 


C      159     ] 

**  Nor  books  alone  attend  the  Conqueror  Bard^ 
*'  Him  shall  await  a  more  sublime  reward:        40 
"  Not  the  coarse  joy  a  Grecian  once  could  feel, 
"  Apples  °  for  sauce,  or  parsley  for  his  veal, 
"  Or  beverage  drawn  from  spruce  or  mountain  pines, 
"  With  oil  from  Pisa's  olive,  when  he  dines ; 
"  No  ode  to  praise  the  binding  of  his  books  t  P 

■*'  No  print  from  Sheffield  of  historic  cooks, 

■ 

Lordship,  I  have  as  great  an  affection,  as  human  infirmity  can  allow,  for 
an  Oxyton.^  a  Paroxyton,  or  even  a  Pro-par-oxyton  !  Ladies  never  before 
knew  the  political  importance  of  an  accent. — While  I  am  upon  this  Epis- 
copal and  Cyprian  subject,  I  may  observe  that  Proclus  has  a  singular  re- 
mark in  his  Chrestomathia,  as  preserved  by  Photius:  (Biblioth.  p.  984, 
ild.     1653.)     "  Mn^£    rx  KvTTfuc.    nPOnAPOHYTONf>S  i7nyax:pig-9eit  rst, 

o  Apples,  Sec. — There  Is  ?jow  an  affectation  in  mcd^rn  joung  gentle- 
men,  as  soon  as  they  have  left  school  or  college,  particularly  in  young 
lawyers  and  boy -members  of  parliament,  oi  forgetting  their  Greek,  if  they 
ever  knew  any.  I  shall  therefore  without  ceremony  remind  them  of  the 
ancient  rewards  in  the  Grecian  games,  which  consisted  of  some  apples  con- 
secrated to  Apollo  in  the  Pythian,  of  a  chaplet  oi  parsley  in  the  Nemsean, 
of  an  olive  garland  in  the  Olympic  games,  and  of  a  wreath  of  j&Zne-leaves 
in  the  Isthmian  solemnity. 

p  I  am  sure  Pindar*  very  seldom  had  so  good  a  subject  for  his  deep 
rriouth.     Mr.  White,  of  Fleet  street,   and  Mr.   Edwards  of  Pall-mall, 

*  Not  that  detestable  writer  calling  himself  Peter  Pindar,  of  whom 
see  the  First  Part  of  the  Pursuits  of  L. 

"  There  on  the  rack  of  satire  let  him  lie, 

"  Fit  garbage  for  the  hell-hound  Infamy." Heroic  Post- 

eript  to  the  Public,  by  the  author  of  the  H.  Epistle  to  Sir  W.  Chambers. 


C      160      ] 

"  Of  beauteous  Gibbon's  fair  proportion'd  shape,  ^ 
"  An  old  baboon,  or  foetus  of  an  ape  ; 


booksellers,  would  furnish  me  with  much  better  materials  for  an  ode  than 
Pindar's,  in  their  florid  descriptions,  (so  animating  to  purchasers)  of  gor- 
geous binding,  little  Dr.  Gosset's  milk-ivhite  vellum,  and  all  its  insignia, 
q  See  in  the  title  page  to  the  posthumous  Works  of  Edward  Gibbon, 
Eaquire,  in  2  v.  4to.  published  by  Lord  Sheffield,  an  engraving  of  The 
Historian  of  the  Roman  Empire,  which  his  lordship  declares  to  be 
"  as  complete  a  likeness  of  Mr.  Gibbon,  as  to  person,  face,  and  manner, 
"  as  can  be  conceived." iV.  I  have  no  doubt  of  Lord  S.'s  friendship  for  Mr. 
Gibbon,  but  why  hang  up  ones  friend  in  effigy  to  the  ridicule  of  the  pre- 
sent age  and  of  all  posterity?  "  Figuram  animi  magis  qusm  corporis  com- 
"plectantur,"*  said  Tacitus;  and  could  Mr.  Gibbon  have  seen  this  print,  he 
certainly  would  have  wished  such  a  simulacrum  vultus  as  this,  to  be  imbe- 
cillum  et  mortale,  or  in  plain  English,  to  see  the  impressions  burned  and 
the  plate  broken. — I  just  remind  all  collectors  of  prints,  that  there  is  not 
only  to  be  had  the  head  of  Dr.  Gillies  and  other  historic  cooks,  of  Dr. 
Denman  the  man-midwife,  of  Mr.  William  Coxe,  traveller  and  friend 
to  half  the  crowned  heads  in  Europe,  with  bis  age  at  the  bottom  of  the 
print,  and  of  other  great  personages ;  but  there  are  still  left  some  choice 
proof  impressions  of  the  striking  bead  arjd  likeness  of  Mr.  Jobn  Farley 
PRINCIPAL  COOK  at  the  London  Tavern,  to  be  had  seperate  from  his  great 
culinary  work,  being  all  that  were  left  unsubscribed  for  by  the  Lord 
Mayor  and  Court  of  Aldermen,  by  the  East  India  and  Bank  Directors,  and 
by  Mr.  Pitt  and  the  elder  Brethren  of  the  Trinity  House.  But  I  cannot 
ascertain  the  age  of  Mr.  John  Farley,  which  is  a  matter  of  the  last  im- 
portance, and  for  which  I  am  truly  sorry.  The  Homeric  jucundity  from 
Martial  should  have  been  the  motto  to  our  modern  Myrtillus ; 

"  Si  tibi  Mistjllus  cocus,  JEmilianc,  vocatur: 

'"  Dicetur  quare  non  T'arat'alla]  mihi?  Mart  Ep.  1.  i. 

*  Tacit.  Vit.  Agric.  Sect.  46. 
t  Mis-TyAAof  TciQcc  r'cihXi/^j  ktX,      Horn.  II.  passim. 


C      161      ] 

"  No  robe,  that  waves  in  many  a  Tuscan  fold  ; 
"  No  lawn,  that  wraps  a  bishop  from  the  cold  ;    50 
"  But  fine  broad  cloth,  in  choicest  fashion  wrought, 
"  By  modern  hands  to  full  perfection  brought ; 
"  'Tis  His — ^to  luear  four  Sundays  in  the  Park  '^ 
"  The  best  black  suit  of  Doctor  Courtney's  Clerk!!!''  "^ 
Nares  rising  paus'd;  then  gave  (the  contest  done,) 
To  Weston,  Taylor's  Hymns  and  Alciphron; 


The  reader  of  taste  in  print-collecting -will  thank  me  for  reminding  him  of 
Mr.  John  Farley's  bead,  whose  works  are  more  rdisked  than  any  traveller's 
or  historian's  that  I  know. 

q     Or  in  Kensington  Gardens. 

r  I  informed  my  readers  in  a  former  note,  that  the  scene  of  action 
•was  the  celebrated  Musical  Room  in  Hanover  Square.  I  must  now  add, 
that  the  room  was  decorated  on  the  occasion  with  appropriate  scenery,  Jaid 
out  in  belts  and  clumps  of  funereal  trees,  to  represent  a  church-yard  with 
the  belfry,  the  yew  tree,  not  forgetting  the  oivl,  with  distant  views  of 
groups  of  labourers,  and  cattle  returning  home  by  moonlight,  highly 
picturesque.  This  was  the  scene  of  the  famed  solemnity,  where  Mr. 
Nares,  with  his  assessors  "  Messrs.  Elmsley  and  Rivington  booksellers, 
and  the  combatants,  the  Doctors  Norbury,  Coote,  Sec.  assembled.  Dr. 
Courtney,  then  Bishop  of*  Bristol,  now  of  Exeter,  (August,  1797.)  and 
Rector  of  St.  George's  Hanover  square,  was  veiy  kind  on  the  occasion,  as 
the  decision  was  made  in  his  parish ;    and  nvitb  the  consent  of  the  Parish 

*  Doctor  Courtney  was  then  on  the  eve  of  a  translation  to  Exeter. 
(Jan.  12,  1797.) — I  also  wish  the  Bishop  health  to  wear  bis  own  best 
black  suit,  as  well  as  another  old  Eton  acquaintance,  'Bishop  Cornwall, 
bis  successor. 

X 


[      162      ] 

To  Tew,  Par's  sermon,  and  the  game  of  goose, 
And  Rochester's  '  address  to  lemans  ^^  loose ; 
To  Coote,  the  foolscap,  as  the  best  relief 
A  Dean  could  hope;  last  to  the  hoary  Chief     60 
He  fillji  a  cup;  thenplac'd  on  Norb'ry's  back 
The  Sinulay  suit  ^  of  customary  black. " 


Clerk,  made  a  liberal  and  voluntary  offer  of  "The  Sunday  Suit*" 
furnished  at  the  expense  of  ihe  parish,  and  which,  I  understand,  is  worn 
by  the  Clerk  during  divine  service  in  the  morning  only  on  that  day,  and 
is  very  becoming.  After  the  morning  service  the  parish  clerk  appears  in 
his  ordinary  dress,  as  a  common  man.  Such  was  the  Ecclesiastical  suit  of 
armour  made  by  the  episcopal  taylor,  and  hung  up  as  the  Conqueror's 
prize  (not  pleno  jure,  but  iisufruciuario,)  for  the  jEneas  of  the  Sunday. 
(1796.) 

s  Not  Lord  Rochester,  but  my  good  Lx)rd  Bishop  of  Rochester, 
Bishop  Horsley's  Address  or  Sermon  to  the  Magdalens,  mentioned  above ; 
not  forgetting  his  lordship's  Greek  prosody  for  Lord  Thurlow  and  the 
ladies. 

ss     Leman  is  the  old  word  for  a  lover  or  a  mistress. 

t  All  my  Eton  friends  well  know  Dr.  Norbury's  celebrated  black 
wardrobe,  and  the  suits  which  appear  in  tiie  order  of  the  Pythagoric  rota- 
tion  from  the  chest  or  ark. 

"  Supera  ut  convexa  revisantf 
"  Rursus  et  incipiant  in  corpora  veils  reverii !" 

Witli  whai  propriety  did  the  Reverend  Mr.  Nares  make  and  pronounce 
this  famous  decree ! 

tt  I  must  transcribe  the  concluding  sentence  of  the  Review  of  these 
famous  translations,  in  the  British  Critic  for  March  i  795.  p.  243.     I 

*  They  who  are  actjuainted  with  the  dignity  and  magnificent  deport- 
ment of  Dr.  Cr.urtnev's  present  Clerk  of  St.  George's  Church,  Hanover 


C      163      ] 

The  gabbling  ceas'd:  withfix'd  and  serious  look 
Gray  glanc'd  from  high,  andown'd  his  rival,  Cook.  ^' 


give  the  Critic  the  fullest  credit  for  the  conduct  of  this  solemn  h-ony,  and 
confess  that  I  can  conceive  nothing  superior  in  this  species  of  wit,  namely 
that  of  looking  gravely  in  men's  faces  and  telling  them  how  foolish  they 
are.  The  British  Critic  thus  concludes:  "  We  wish  to  avoid  miy  invidious 
"  distinction,  any  undue  preference.  But  were  we  absolutely  called  on 
"  to  decide,  we  should  from  the  purest  and  most  unbiassed  motives  (see 
"  II.  23.  V.  615)  fill  the  golden  cup  with  the  most  exquisite  oivo^  i^atroiy 
"  and  not  considering  it  as  left  without  a  claimant,  by  the  fall  of  any 
"  Eumelus,  we  should  respectfully  place  it  in  the  hands  of  the  Etonian 
"  Nestor ; 

"  TiJ  vvv,  xxi  troi  TUTo  TEPON  KSifi/iXiov  ia-TU." 
v.  I  select  this  extraordinary  genius,  poet,  critic,  scholar,  and  orator, 
William  Cook,  m.  a.  late  Fellow  of  King's  College,  and  Greek  Profes- 
sor in  the  University  of  Cambridge.  "  I  knew  him  well,  Horatio."  me- 
lioribus  olim  auspiciis.  I  select  him,  as  well  for  the  singular  and  original 
excellency  of  his  performances,  (though  there  are  some  oversights  and 
even  verbal  faults  in  it)  as  for  the  manner  in  which  he  published  it. 
There  was  a  spare  leaf  or  two  at  the  end  of  his  very  sensible  edition  of 
Aristotle's  Poetics,  and  there  he  printed  it.  Not  in  the  pompous  manner, 
and  with  dedications  to  Lord  Chancellors  and  I  know  not  whom,  as  somp 
of  tbese  Old  Boys  have  done.  I  must  own  that  in  many  passages.  Nature, 
Gray,  and  Cook  seem  to  contend  for  the  mastery;  but  above  all  in  that 
famous  stanza; 

"  The  boast  of  heraldry,  the  pomp  of  pow'r, 

"  And  all  that  beauty,  all  that  wealth  e'er  gave, 

"  Await  alike  the  inevitable  hour; 

"  The  paths  of  glory  lead  but  to  the  grave."  Gray. 

Square,  when  in  bis  full  canonical  Sunday  dress  will  best  know  how  to  esti- 
mate the  prize  offered  to  these  Grecian  combatants  by  Mr.  Nares.  Too 
happy,  if  in  such  a  garment,    fHK   VictoR  might  be  mistaken  for  r///? 

CREAf  MAN.      (1796.) 


[      164     ] 

OCTAVIUS. 

Contract  your  smile,  and  quit  this  playful  '^  search; 
These  are  the  lay  amusements  of  the  church, 


Aufx  rv)(,oii,  ^pv<rcii  A(pfi>diTOig  x.xXot,  ret,  aaipx^ 

IlxvS'  ctftx  rxvTDt  rtSvxxi,   x.xi  vtv&iv  ^offftfAov  x^xf' 

Hpa&iv  kXi'  oXuXi,   x.xi  a^tro  *  |«v9»  e?  A^xv.  Cook. 

Bion  or  Moschus  never  exceeded  these  lines :  I  think,  they  never  equalled 
them.  I  write  this  Note,  I  will  confess  it,  with  all  the  friendly  fond- 
ness which  an  Etonian  could  express. 

Hoc  JUVENEM   EGREGIUM   PR^STANTI   MUNERE  DONCf 

X  This  subject  from  v.  i,  to  v.  63,  of  this  part  of  my  poem,  is  per- 
liaps  in  itself  a  very  trifling  one.  The  names  of  some  of  the  parties  are 
obscure  and  of  little  note,  and  the  concerns  of  Reviewers  should  in  general 
be  confined  to  their  own  little  monthly  blue  books.  But  this  example  is 
of  deepest  consequence,  that  men,  who  aspire  to  be  thought  scholars, 
should  be  warned,  even  to  all  posterity,  how  they  conduct  their  learning, 
and  expend  their  time ;  and  be  taught  from  this  ridiculous  instance 
(which  I  have  selected)  to  value  themselves  on  such  attainments  alone,  as 

are  truly  valuable,  sri  yiytvx  ANHP,  x«Tj)py»««  rx  ra  Nn7r<« It  cannot 

surely  be  conceived,  that  the  slightest  animadversion  is  here  intended  to 
be  made  on  the   exercises  in  the  Greek  and  Latin  languages,  whether 

*  Some  persons  object  to  the  0  being  made  short  before  the  |.  It  may 
be  so.  I  defend  no  faults,  in  any  man's  works.  I  leave  Dr.  Davies  and 
Mr.  Stephen  Weston,  the  Hero  of  the  Ge7iitive  absolute^  to  substitute 
Kotvov  if  they  please. 

"  The  rule  is  absolute,"  Lord  Kenyon  cries; 
"  Brisk  from  his  genitive  let  Stephen  rise." 

t  Virg.  ^n.  4.  v.  361. 


C      165     ] 

Mere  cobweb  labours  of  their  learned  thought; 
Tho'  sometimes  teachers  must  themselves  be  taught 
To  weigh  their  office,  raise  their  pow'rful  breath, 
Nor  leave  the  world  to  darkness  and  to  death.     70 


translations  or  originals,  in  the  public  or  private  schools  or  in  the  Univer- 
sities of  this  kingdom.  The  anthor  of  the  P.  of  L.  is  of  opinion,  that 
the  utility  or  rather  the  absolute  necessity  of  them  is  so  great  and  so  in- 
dispensable, that  they  cannot  be  too  much  commended  and  too  much 
encouraged.  I  will  also  say,  that  notwithstanding  the  accurate  and  un- 
relenting severity  of  Dr.  Charles  Burney's  most  learned  and  acute  criticism 
on  Mr.  Glass's  Greek  trans laTjons  of  Milton's  Agonistes  and  Mason's 
Caractacus.)'isi\]\  continue  to  admire  the  poetical  and  animated  spirltso con- 
spicuous in  that  very  ingenious  Gentleman's  bold  and  laudable  attempt  at 
an  early  period  of  life.  There  were  some  mistakes,  how  could  it  be 
otherwise?  Pluranitent.  The  comoosition  intitled  0e»A«T«5  'Eopta,  by  the 
late  Dr.  Cooke,  Provost  of  King's  College,  published  when  he  was  almost 
a  boy,  has  peculiar  merit.  I  will  add  here,  that  if  a?y  young  man  of 
genius,  classical  learning,  and  poetical  ardour,  would  present  the  world 
with  a  Greek  translation  of  Ake:^side's  "  Hymn  to  the  Naiads,"  and 
submit  it  to  the  correction  of  an  experienced  Greek  scholar  before  publica- 
tion, he  might  establish  a  learned  and  honourable  reputation  for  himself, 
and  add  another  composition  worthy  of  Homer  or  Callimachus. 
"  Sic  liceat  magnas  Graiorum  impkre  catervasi" 

Compositions  in  Greek  or  Latin  handed  about  in  private  circles  of 
friends  are  indeed  useless,  but  free  from  much  reprehension,  though  at 
best  rather  idle  in  mea  of  a  certain  age.  But  when  men,  dignified  by 
their  years  and  their  sacred  profession,  the  youngest  having  passed  his 
fiftieth^  and  the  eldest  entering  his  sixtj-eighth  year,  appear  as  rival  can- 
didates for  public  fame  from  the  translation  of  some  excellent  English 
verses  into  their  own  Greek;  what  can  we  say  ? 

"  1  unc  cum  ad  catiitiem,  tunc,  tunc,  ignoscere — Noi.o."         Pcrsius. 


C      166      ] 

Short  be  their  folly:  let  example  tell 
Their  life,  their  morals  pure,  and  all  is  well. 
But  should  proud  churchmen  vie  in  sumptuous  halls 
In  wines  and  soups,  Carthusian  Bacchanals, 
Nor  think  th'  unwieldly  superflux  to  shake, 
Where  curates  starve,  and  helpless  orphans  quake, 
Wav'ring  I  ask,  in  this  dark  scene  beneath, 
Why  lightnings  scathe  yon  desolated  heath  ?y 

And  hark  the  voice  has  thunder'd :  and  the  word, 
Borne  on  the  blast,  a  trembling  world  has  heard  80 


y  The  unbounded  luxury  and  extravagance  of  the  French  and  Italian 
Ecclesiastics  should  be  a  warning  to  the  priests  and  ministers  of  all  Chris- 
tian alrars,  however  dignified  or  disting-uished,  of  whatever  church  or  of 
whatever  persuasion,  Mankind  will  know,  and  value  them  by  their  fruits. 
"  For  noiv  is  the  axe  laid  to  the  root  of  the  trees,  and  every  tree  which 
"  bringeth  not  forth  good  fruit  will  (most  assuredly)  be  hewn  down." 
This  is  the  warning  voice  which  should  be  heard,  and  heard  aloud  in 
assemblies  frequent  and  full,  in  all  churclies  and  in  all  cathedrals;  but 
chief  in  those  twin-sisters  of  learning,  the  Universities  of  England, 
Oxford  and  Cambridge,  which  can  be  supported  on  those  principles  alone, 
on  which  they  were  founded,  and  by  which  they  have  flourished. — While 
your  place  may  yet  be  found,  I  will  honour  and  will  hail  you  both, 

"  Mothers  of  arts 
"  And  eloquence,  native  to  famous  wits, 
"  Or  hospitable  '\nyour  sweet  recess, 
"  City  or  suburban,  studious  walks  and  .:h?.de3  1"* 

But  chief  with  pious  gratitude,  and  with  filial  reverence,  Salve  magka 
P.iRCNs!   1796.. 

*  Milt.  P.  Reg.  b.  4.  V.  24c. 


I      167      ] 

In  consummation  dread!  the  bonds  of  Rome 
Are  burst,  and  Babylon's  prophetic  doom, 
With  more  than  mortal  ruin  headlong  cast, 
Proclaims  the  measure  full:   she  groans  her  last. 
From  climes  where  Piety  no  more  was  found, 
Where  Superstition  wither'd  all  around, 
The  rights  of  nature  barr'd,  by  heav'n  resign'd 
To  vile  affections,  in  corruption  blind, 
While  in  the  terrors  of  the  world  beneath, 
Permittedfiendsofdarkness  round  them  breathe; 
Britain  securely  fix 'd,  invites  from  high  91 

With  charity's  sedate,  unalter'd  eye. 
The  sacred,  exil'd,  melancholy  band. 
Passing  from  death  and  France,  revere  the  land. 
Where  streams  of  inexhausted  bounty  pour. 
And  Christ  still  reigns,  and  bigots  are  no  more. " 

AUTHOR. 

Blest  h(-jhQ  voice  of  mercy,  and  the  hand 
Stretch'do'er  affliction's  wounds  with  healing  bland, 


z     I  aliude  to  the  grand  emigration  of  French  Priests  and  others  to 
England,  at  the  late  Revolution  in  France.     (1796.) 


[      168      ] 

In  holiest  sympathy!  our  best  of  man 

Gave  us  to  tears,  ere  misery  began.  100 

Yet  pause :  "  for  mere  ^^  good-nature  ^  is  a  fool," 
Now  slave  to  party,  and  now  faction's  tool : 
Attend,  nor  heedless  slight  a  poet's  name : 
Poet  and  prophet  once  were  deem'd  the  same. 
Say,  are  these  fertile  streams  thus  largely  spread 
KJilial  tribute  o'er  a  mother  bed? 

zz  W^e  must  remember,  that  the  very  frame  and  spirit  of  the  laws, 
ordinances,  and  constitution  of  England  are  in  the  most  direct  opposition 
to  the  Roman  Catholic  religion.,  and  all  its  doctrines,  practices,  opinions, 
superstitions,  and  tyranny.  I  am  astonished  that  we  can  forget  their  histo- 
ry and  effects.  I  know  what  has  been  done  in  other  countries.  The  only 
hospitable  and  unsuspecting  asylum  for  thir  priests  and  professors  has  been, 
and  is,  in  England.  On  their  expulsion  from  the  continent,  and  their  recep- 
tion in  this  kingdom  under  poAverful  protection  and  systematic  influence,  a 
warning  voice  may  be  heard,  not  without  effect.  This  is  the  sole  reason 
of  all  which  1  am  about  to  offer  on  this  subject.  It  is  not  an  anathema, 
but  a  warning  in  the  spirit  of  mercy,  moderation,  and  the  most  reflecting 
policy.  We  may  depend  upon  it,  wherever  the  Roman  Catholic  Religion 
is  introduced,  or  permitted,  or  fostered,  or  pitied,  or  encouraged,  the  words 
of  the  poet  will  be  found  eminently  true: 

Spiritus  intiis  alit,  ToTamoue  infusa   per  JKnTS 

JIIeNS  JGltAT  MOLEM,    ET  MAGNO    SE  CORPORE  MlSChr. 

a     "  Virtue  (for  mere  Good-nature  is  a  fool  J 
"  Is  sense  and  spirit  with  liumanity: 
"  Virtue  and  sense  I  mean  not  to  disjoin, 
"  Virtue  and  sense  are  one." 
Dr.  Armstrong,  Art  of  Health,  B.  4.  a  Poem  which   tan  never  be 
suffititiitly  praised,  read,  and  recommended. 


[      169      ] 

Say  are  these  streams  (think,while  avails  the  thought) 
To  Rome  through  Gallic  channels  subtly  brought  ?''' 
Rome  touches,  tastes,  and  takes;  and  nothing  loth; 
But  have  zve  virtues?  yes,  of  pagan  growth.        110 
Ask  where  Rome's  church  is  founded  ?  on  a  steep, 
Which  heresy's  wild  winds  in  vain  may  sweep, 
Alone  where  sinners  may  have  rest  secure, 
One  only  undefil'd,  one  only  pure. 


aa  This  Is  one  of  the  most  important  points  in  the  present  situation  of 
England  and  of  Europe,  in  regard  to  national  policy.  I  propose  these 
questions,  i.  How  far,  are  the  ministers  of  the  public  treasure  of  any 
Protestant  kingdom  justified  in  issuing  large  sums  of  money,  for  the  express 
purpose  of  maintaiiihig  emigvcint  Catholic  priests^  as  a  body?  2.  If  they 
are  justified  in  issuing  any  sums,  in  what  manner  and  under  what  control 
should  this  public  money  be  expended  and  distributed?  3.  Whether  in 
England  at  this  time,  there  are  not  peculiar  and  paramount  considerations 
^vhich  call  for  wisdom  and  prudence  to  regulate  and  restrain  the  first  natu- 
ral and  honourable  impetuosity  of  mercy  and  humanity,  to  the  end  that 
fdE  coNsrituTiON  OF  ENGLAND^  IN  HER  CHURCH  AND  sfAfE^  be  preserved 
inviolate  from  open  attacks,  or  from  insidious  attempts? — These  questions 
are  proposed  for  the  public  security,  with  sobriety,  seriousness,  and 
charity  to  all,  as  of  common  importance. 

Dlxerat  Anchises;   natumque  unaque  Sibyllam 
Conventus  trahit  in  medics,  turbamque  sonantem  ; 
Et  tumulum  capit,   unde  omnes  longo  ordine  possit 
Adversos  legere,  et  venientum  discere  vultus !  (1796.) 

a  It  is  well  known  that  rigid  Catholics  hold,  that  the  virtues  of 
heretics,  or  protestants,  are  to  be  considered  in  the  light  of  pagan  virtues. 
I  think  the  bishop  of  St.  Pol.  de  Leon  would  agree  to  this  opinion.  (1796.) 


C    i"o    3 

Blame  you  her  cumbrous  pomp,  her  iron  rod, 

Or  trumpery  reUcs  of  her  saints  half-shod  ? 

Lo  Confessors,  in  every  hamlet  found, 

With  sacred  sisters  walk  their  cloister 'd  round: 

There  read  the  list :  ^  and  calm  the  fate  expect, 

When  crafty,  meddling,  thankless  priests  direct.  120 

b  See  ^^  The  LaiTt's  DiRECtoRr  for  1796,  (printed  for  J.  P. 
"  Coghlan,  Duke  street,  Grosvenor  square)  to  which  is  added  '  The 
'  Colours  of  the  Church ;"  words  rather  ominous.  It  is  a  pamphlet  at 
the  low  price  of  sixpence^  which  I  recommend  to  public  notice  and  to 
which  I  refer  the  reader.  It  is  a  matter  of  some  surprise  and  concern,  to 
read  the  list  of  the  almost  incredible  number  of  little  books  and  tracts  at 
the  smallest  prices,  publ-;hed  and  to  be  published,  calculated  for  the  gene- 
ral dissemination  of  PoPERrm  these  realms; — the  fatal  display  of  all  the 
existing  and  rising  Romish  seminaries,  Romish  boarding  houses,  and 
Romish  schools  for  youth;  the  plenary  indulgences  (for  one  another;) 
— and  the  settlement  of  Nuns  Professed  in  monasteries  erected  in  this 
kingdom,  Clares,  Benedictines,  Sepulcharins,  Austins,  and  Dominica- 
nesses. Then,  in  this  very  same  pamphlet,  as  if  by  a  strange  fatality  and 
ill  the  blunder  of  papal  metaphor,  they  advertise  even  their  drugs.  The 
very  medicine,  it  seems,  is  papal.  Behold  their  "  Laxative  sulphurated 
*'  pills  once  exhibited  in  another  form  in  these  realms,"  "  The  Medicated 
"  SnulT,  a  Ceplialic  of  many  virtues,  prepared  from  the  original  receipt 
"  found  in  the  Jesuit's  Library;" — "  The  Jesuit's  nervous  pill," — "  The 
"•  Jesuits  Balsamic  cordial."  In  short,  decernunt  quodcunque  volunt  df. 
CORPORE  NOSTRo;  body  and  soul,  fortune  and  state.  I  understand  them 
but  too  well.  They  know  their  hour,  their  Protectors  of  noble 
RANK,  their  opportunity,  tl'.eir  advantages,  their  revenue  from  the  state. 
They  advance  by  approaches,  not  desultory,  but  regular.  The  papal 
genius  never  sleeps,  no,  not  for  a  moment;  but  directs,  and  animates,  and 
acts,  tinifornily  and  constantly,  at  home  and  abroad,  in  cities,   m  towns, 


t      171      ] 

Think  you,  their  hate  unquench'd  can  ere  expire  ? 
The  torch  not  tipt  with  sleeping  sulphurous  fire  ? 
Their  doctrines  round  a  careless  land  are  blown  ; 
They  blast  the  cottage,  and  would  sap  the  throne. 

in  villages;  it  takes  aid  from  stupidity  and  from  ability,  from  above  and 
from  beneath.     Their  bishops,  as  yet,  are  but  titular.,  but  depend  upon  it^ 

Per  solis  radios,  Tarpeiaque  fulmina  jurant, 
Quidquid  habent  telorum  armamentaria  cxli,* 

Depend  upon  it,  I  say  they  swear:  but  what  the  oath  is,  I  shall  not  take 
upon  me  to  describe.  It  may  be  well  understood,  and  for  aught  I  know, 
it  is  already  registered. — I  have  compassion  for  the  unfortunate;  I  have 
charity  for  plundered  exiles;  I  have  pity,  and  would  wish  and  would  give 
relief  to  the  wretched  and  the  suffering ;  I  have  veneration  for  the  truly 
pious  of  every  persuasion  in  the  Christian  faith.  "  There  is  one  Lordl" 
But  I  have,  and  it  as  an  Englishman's  duty  to  have,  a  watchful  eye  upon 
the  insinuating  or  domineering  spirit  of  the  Romish  church.  I  have  no 
opinion  of  the  sincerity  of  their  attachment  to  us,  or  of  their  gratitude  for 
our  favours.  I  insist  upon  it,  they  regard  fnEMSELVES  as  the  original 
and  rightful  inheritors  of  our  land.  I  call  upon  the  guardians  of  our  church 
and  state  to  be  watchful,  and  to  regard  with  attention  the  proceedings  of 
ALL  fHE  EMiGRANrs.  If  they  refusc  to  hear,  I  wish  most  fervently,  that 
Great  Britain  may  never,  in  the  anguish  of  an  Inconsiderate  spirit,  say  of 
these  numerous  emigrant  priests,  and  of  all  the  rest  sacred  or  profane ; 
Ejectos  littore,  egenos 
Excepi,  et  regni  demens  in  parte  locavil 
I  send  THIS  note  into  the  world,  v/hatever  be  its  fate,  with  the 
famous  papal  inscription,  but  without  the  spirit,  of  Sixtus  the  Fourth  to 
the  Florentine  Synod  under  Lorenzo  the  Magnificent,  "  In  Futura?i 
REi  memoriam!"  and  the  Bishop  of  St.  Pol.  de  Leon,  and  his  Consis- 
toiy,  resident  and  acting  in  England,  may  reply  to  it,  if  they  tliink  proper. 
— (Written  in  the  year  1796.) 

*  Juv.  Sat.  t;,.  V.  78. 


[      172     ] 

What  ?  are  my  words  too  warm  ?— I  love  my  King, 
My  Country,  and  my  God  !  the  sounds  shall  ring 
Ceaseless,  till  Pitt  (with  all  his  host  awake) 
In  our  great  cause  a  nation's  inquest  take. 
Look  from  that  vale  what  tribes  the  fortress  *^  fill ! 
Then  frown  indignant  o'er  the  opprobrious  HilL^  130 


c  T he  greet  College  of  Priests,  and  Ht ad-quarters  of  the  Catholic 
Cause  ill  the  Castle  or  King's  House  at  Winchester,  tenanted  by  priests 
emigrant  and  non-emigrant,  publicly  maintained  at  the  expense  of  the 
state.  Read  the  preceding  note.  I  am  not  speaking  to  these,  who  are 
indifferent  about  all  cr  any  religion;  but  to  these,  Avho  from  their  sta- 
tion, political  or  sacred,  should  understand  the  importance  of  the  cause, 
the  interests  of  Christianity  and  its  purity,  the  evidence  of  history,  the 
nature  and  tl^.e  essential  and  unaltered  spirit  of  the  Romisii  priesthood, 
and  t'.ieir  subtiity  and  peculiar  arls  by  persuasion,  or  by  terror  over  weak 
consciences.  I  am  speaking  to  the  governors  of  Great-Britain,  to  the 
ministers  of  the  crown,  who  should  guard,  and  who  1  trust  will  guard, 
against  the  rcvin:al  of  the  Romish  Church  now  vrcrking  in  secret;  as  well 
as  against  the  more  open  and  more  terrible  democracy  of  some  descriptions 
of  the  Dissenters.  What  is  said  to  us  all,  is  said  at  this  Iiour  to  ministers 
and  rulers  of  states  with  a  more  important  and  a  more  sacred  emphasis, 
"  WAfCH^for ye  know  -not  the  noun  ti-hen destruction  cometh." — (1796.) 

d  Finally:  I  propose  one  plain  ?uid  significant  question  to  Mr.  Pitt, 
or  to  "x".y  great  minister  of  state.  It  is  this:  '■  Is  there  a  single  instance 
"  in  the  records  of  any  modern  history  of  Europe,  where  the  governing 
"  and  directing  power  of  the  state  ever  authorized,  patronised,  and  sup- 
"  ported  with  the  public  money,  under  any  circumstances  whatsoever,  a 
"  COLLKGK  or  PRIESTS,  in  the  heart  of  a  kingdom,  whose  tenets  and 
"  pruicipka  vvcre  not  only  dlflferent  from  the  established  religion  of  the 
••  country,  biit  v.-ere  in  direct  opposition  and  avowed  hostility  to  itr — And 
•'  parti'. ulariy,   v.-hen  it  was   the  original  and  fundamental  purpose  and 


t      i73      ] 
OCTAVIUS. 

These  thoughts  are  for  the  state:  enough  of  Rome, 
Her  Gallic  altars,  and  approaching  doom. 
But  if  from  themes  so  grave  ^  you  never  roam, 
Ask  at  St.  Paul's,  is  Pretyman  ^^  at  home  ? 

"  constitution  of  that  established  church,  to  discountenance  and  extin- 
"  guish  the  superstitious  doctrines,  and  the  political  ecclesiastical  tenets 
"  of  that  College  of  Priests,  so  authorized,  patronised,  and  supported  by 
"  the  public  money,  as  a  body?"  If  this  question  must  be  answered,  as 
I  apprehend  it  must,  In  the  negative,  I  maintain,  (and  if  necessary  will 
maintain  more  solemnly,  if  possible,  and  more  at  large,)  that  the  College 

OF  PUJESTS  IN  tUN  KiNG'S  HoUSE  AT  WINCHESTER  SHOULD  BE    IMME- 

diaTelt  DISPERSED,*  and  not  suffered  to  stand  In  that  offensive,  conspi- 
cuous, and  opprobrious  light  in  the  face  of  the  country.  I  am  really 
speaking  In  mercy  to  them,  and  to  us  all,  if  I  am  vlghtly  understood.  I 
would  support  and  preserve  them  from  eveiy  want,  privately,  and  In  de- 
tached situations  ;  but  I  would  not  suffer  the  ministry  of  a  Catholic  Bishop 
to  direct  the  expenditure  of  that  public  money  so  granted,  ybr  77iere  Catholic 
purposes:  but  with  the  most  perfect  toleration  of  all  persuasions  In  reli- 
gion, the  Governors  of  the  state  should  defend  and  exclusively  support  their 
own.  This  Is  prudence,  this  is  policy,  this  it  is  to  remember  the  beginning 
and  progress  of  all  great  events. f  (May,  1796.) 

e  I  am  not  in  the  habit  of  perusing  many  of  the  various  single  ser- 
mons which  are  published;   but  I  cannot  resist  the  opportunity  of  recom- 

*  This  was  effected  In  December  17-96. 

t  Though  the  French  priests  were  removed,  by  order  of  the  Govern- 
ment, from  the  King's  House  at  Winchester,  at  tlie  close  of  the  year 
1796,  yet  I  have  strong  and  Important  reasons  for  leaving  this  whole 
passage.  In  poetry  and  prose,  text  and  comment,  unaltered  upon  record  to 
posterity. 


C      174     ] 

The  Dean  might  smile,  when  you  with  happiest  care 
Blend  Horsley's  acid  with  the  cream  of  Blair ; 
You'd  rise  at  last. 


mending  three,  which  I  think  are  at  this  time  important,  and  written 
■with  ability  and  spirit.  One,  by  the  Reverend  Dr.  Vincent,  head  mas- 
ter of  Westminster  school,  (a  gentleman  of  very  considerable  erudition, 
diligence,  ability,  and  most  exemplary  conduct)  preached  for  the  West- 
minster Dispensary;  another  by  Dr.  Watson,  Bishop  of  Landaff,  for  the 
Westminster  Dispensary  also,  with  an  Appendix,  containing  Reflections 
on  the  present  state  of  England  and  France  ;  the  Appendix  is  of  peculiar 
merit;  and  a  third,  <'0n  Gaming,"  written  with  great  energy,  erudition, 
piety,  patriotism,  and  eloquence,  by  the  Reverend  Thomas  Rennell,  D.D. 
Prebendaryof  Winchester.— Willie  I  am  speaking  on  this  subject,  I  think, 
it  may  be  curious  and  pleasing,  and  perhaps  useful  to  some  persons,  to  see 
the  list  of  books  which  William  Warburton,  Bishop  of  Gloucester, 
recommended  in  some  posthumous  MSS.  Directions  for  the  study  of 
Theology,  which  Bishop  Hurd  published  in  the  4to  edition  and  in  the  8vo 
supplement  to  his  works.  I  refer  to  the  tract,  and  merely  give  the  books 
in  the  divisions,  and  in  the  order  in  which  Warburton  placed  them,  and 
recommended  them  to  be  read.  "  Locke  on  the  Human  Understanding: 
"  Quintilian's  Institutions. — Grotius  de  Jure  belli  et  pacis;  Woollaston's 
"  Religion  of  Nature ;  Cumberland  on  the  Law  of  Nature;  Cudworth's 
"  Intellectual  System. — Maimonides  Ductor  Dubitantium  ;  Spencer  de 
"  Legibus  Hcbrjeoriim  Ritualibus:  Walton's  Polyglot  Bible;  Critic 
"  Sacri.  Locke's  Reasonableness  of  Christianity ;  Burnet  de  fide  et 
'*  officlis  Christianorum  ;  Grotius's  Comment  on  the  Gospels ;  Locke  on 
"the  Epistles;  Joseph  Mede  on  the  Apocalypse;  Episcopii  Instituta 
•' Cbristianx  Theologia; ;  Limborch's  Theologia  Christiana;  Grotius  dc 
"  Veritate  Religionis  Christiansc;  Stillingfieet's  Origines  Sacra:,  ist  ed. 
"  Limborch  de  Veritate  Religionis  Christianx  Arnica  Collatio  cum  Eru- 
"  dito  Judxo,  i.  c.  isaaco  Orobio  ;  Chilllngworth's  Religion  of  Protes- 
"  tauts  a  safe  way  to  salvation;  Hooker's  Ecclesiastical  Polity,  4  first 
''  books.     Taylor'^;    Liberty   of  Prophecylng  ;    Stlllingtlcet's    Irenicum ; 


[      175      ] 
AUTHOR. 

How  strangely  you  mistake; 
The  dream  deceives  not,  when  the  man's  awake. 

"  Locke's  Letters  on  Toleration;  Bayle's  Comment  on  the  words  <  Com- 
"  pel  them  to  come  in.' — Mosheim's  Ecclesiastical  History;  Collier's 
"  Church  History;  Fuller's  Church  History;  Sleidan  Commentarii  de 
"  statu  Religionis  et  Reipublicac  Carolo  Quinto  C^sare  Commentarii ;  Bur- 
"  nett's  History  of  the  Reformation;  Dr.  Clark's  Sermons;  Dr.  Barrow's 
"  Sermons ;  Sermons  du  Pere  Bourdaloue." 

The  Second  Part  of  these  directions  could  not  be  found ;  but  it  may 
surprise  some  people  to  hear  that  Bishop  Warburton's  vigorous  intellect 
regarded  this  plan,  but  as  an  introduction  to  the  study  of  Theology.     Hac 
limina  Victor  Alcides  subiit!  Through  such  a  vestibule  did  this  High 
Priest  pass  into  the  temple. — But  if  the  reader  is  disposed  to  attend 
to  the  humbler  suggestions  of  a  very  private  layman  on  this  subject,  I 
think  he  would  find  great  advantage,  in  studying  and  considering  the  fol- 
lowing works  in  English.)  (which  are  very  few  in  number)  and  in  the  order 
in  which  they  are  arranged,      i.  The  View  of  the  Internal  Evidence  of 
_!,    the  Christian  Religion,  by  Soame  Jenyns,  Esquire.      2.  The  Evidences  of 
Christianity  in  three  parts,  by  W.  Paley,  D.D.     3.  Grotius  on  the  truth 
of  the  Christian  Religion,  in  any  translation.    4.  The  Evidences  of  Natu- 
-4-    ral  and  Revealed  Religion,  by  Dr.  Samuel  Clarke.     5.  Mr.  Locke's  Rea- 
sonableness of  Christianity,  particularly  the  latter  part  of  the  tract.      6. 
-j^     Bishop  Hurd's  Introduction  to  the  Study  of  the  Prophecies.     7.  Lord 
_|-<^-    Lyttleton's  Disertation  on  the  Conversion  of  St.  Paul,  and  8.  Dr.  Butler's 
4,      Analogy  of  Religion,   Natural  and  Revealed,  to   the    constitution   and 
course  of  nature. — From  these  few  volumes.^  if  they  are  studied  with  care 
^     and  an  upright  intention,  I  think  it  may  be  said,  that  "  They  shall  see, 
"  to  whom  HE  was  not  (before)  spoken  of;  and  they  that  have  not  (before) 
"  heard,  shall  understand."     These  volumes  are  the  works  of  laymen  as 
well  as  of  divines;  and  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  I  think  I  perceive  the  follow- 
ing connection  in  the  short  plan  which  I  have  offered.     Mr.  Jenyns's 


[      170      ] 

Once  in  the  morn  of  life,  a  wizard  said ; 

"  He  ne'er  shall  rise  by  benefice,  or  trade;      140 


View  prepares  the  mind  to  think  worthily  of  the  Religion  which  is  pro- 
posetl,  and  demonstrates  tliat  there  is  the  highest  reason  to  think  and  con- 
clude, that  its  origin  is  from  above,  and  not  from  man.  Dr.  Paley's 
View  of  tlie  subject  displays,  confirms,  and  establishes  the  direct  historical 
evidenceand  proof,  with  all  the  plainness  and  candor  of  which  it  is  capa- 
ble, and  independent  of  the  particular  tenets  of  any  church  or  sect.  Gro- 
Tius  and  Dr.  Clarke  present  to  us  the  faith,  doctrine,  and  evidence  in 
form  of  propositions,  with  ample  and  learned  illustrations,  with  force  of 
reasoning,  and  with  logical  precision.  Mr.  Locke  has  been  peculiarly 
happy  in  representing  the  consonance  of  the  Christian  doctrine  to  reason 
properly  understood,  and  its  necessity  from  the  defects  of  all  philosophy 
however  distinguished.  Bishop  Hurd,  with  the  hand  of  a  master,  has 
opened  the  general  View  of  the  subject  of  prophecy,  and  freed  it  from  the 
intricacies  of  speculation,  and  shewn  its  time,  nature,  end,  and  intent. 
Lord  Littleton  has  discussed  the  most  illustrious  instance  of  the  con- 
version to  this  religion,  in  the  person  of  St.  Paul,  a  man  of  the  highest 
natural  talents,  and  profoundest  reasoning  and  erudition;  and  he  has 
accompanied  the  whole  with  remarks  of  weight  and  dignity  on  the  general 
subject  of  Revelation.  And  last^  to  a  mind  disposed  to  view  with  calm- 
ness, humility  and  reverence,  the  whole  system  of  Providence  as  far  as  it  is 
permitted  to  man  ro  view  "  the  work  which  God  worketh  from 
"  the  beginning  to  the  end,"  Dr.  Butler  has  unfolded  the 
Analogy  or  relation  of  the  Course  of  Nature  to  Religion,  by  which  all 
tilings  are  found  to  proceed  in  harmony  from  Him  who  hath  made  noth- 
ing imperfect.  1  think  this  great  performance  of  Butler  has  peculiar 
force  when  it  is  considered  in  the  conclusion  of  our  religious  researches, 
and  not  as  part  of  the  or/^ma/ proof,  or  as  Lord  Bacon  expresses  himself, 
*'  tmquam  portum  et  sibbathum  humanarum  contcmplationum  omnium." 
( Oc  Augm.  Scient.  Lib.  v)""-^  speak  merely  my  own  sentiments  to  those 
who  have  not  much  time  or  leisure  for  deep  study,  (but  we  are  all  bound 
to  tiud  some  time  for  this  subject,)  and  1   speak  in  submission  to  scholars 


[      177     ] 

"  But  find,  remote  from  consequence  or  fame, 
"  A  local  something,  and  a  shadowy  name ; 
"  Shall  brave  neglect;  in  England's  cause  contend; 
"  Hopeless  himself  of  virtue,  but  her  friend; 
"  Through  crowds  shall  mark  his  solitary  way, 
"  Ardent,  though  secret,  and  though  serious,  gay; 
"  Erect,  without  a  pension,  to  his  end 
"Unknown,  unheard,  unhonour'd,  shall  descend; 
"  Bow  to  no  minister  for  golden  views,  149 

"  His  portion.  Memory,  and  best  gift,  the  Muse." 

OCTAVIUS. 

This  of  yourself? 

AUTHOR. 

'Tis  so. 


better  informed  than  myself.—  Reader,  whoever  thou  art,  if  thou  shouldst 
approve  these  introductory  ideas  to  this  great  subject,  inexhausted  as  it  is 
and  inexhaustible,  prepare  thyself,  thy  understanding,  and  thy  affections. 
"  Te  quoque  dignuin  Jinge  Deo!" 

ee  The  "Rt,  Rev.  George  Pretyman,  D.D.  Bishop  of  Lincoln  and 
Dean  of  St.  Paul's;  Tutor  and  Secretary  to  the  Rt.  Hon.  William  Pitt, 
before  he  was  raised  to  the  Prelacy.  A  man  of  great  learning,  discern- 
ment, and  ability. 

Z 


[      173      ] 

OCTAVIUS. 

You're  turn'd  plain  fool: 
A  vain  pert  prater,  bred  in  ^  Erskine's  school; 
Talk  of  yourself? 

AUTHOR. 

Why  yes;  I  would  be  heard: 
Mere  talkers  now,  not  writers,  are  preferr'd. 
Look  at  that  paper :  ^  if  you  print  the  speeches, 
Pitt  seemsGeorge  Rose,  or  like  Sir  Richard,  preaches, 
Nor  tone,  nor  majesty,  nor  patriot  fires  ; 
Methinks  the  wit  of  Sheridan  expires  ; 
Lost  in  Dundas  the  Caledonian  twang. 
Though  Pitt,  and  port,  and  property  he  sang;   160 
Print  negro  speeches,  and  in  reason's  spite, 
Lo,  Wilberforce  is  black,  and  Francis  white; 
Who  wonders  at  buffoons,  or  Courtney's  joke; 
And  we  scarce  slumber,  though  Sir  William  spoke ; 


f  The  Hon.  Thomas  Erskine,  the  celebrated  Barrister.  For  a  fur- 
ther account  of  his  talents,  abilities,  legal  knowledge,  &c.  see  and  ask— 
Mr.  Erskine  himself.     (See  also  P.  of  L.  Dial.  4.) 

g     Any  newspaper  or  report  of  the  Debates  in  Parliament. 


[      1-9      ] 

'Tis  Grey  and  grumbling ;  Ciirwen  ^  all  and  clatter ; 
And  Dent '  and  Dogs ;  and  Pewter  ^  pot  and  platter. 
Shall  I  not  talk  ?— Few  politics  will  read^ 
The' Lauderdale  should  sketchhis  Scottish  creed;^ 


h  All  the  changes  rung  upon  feudality,  and  tyranny,  and  I  know 
not  what,  when  the  Game  Laws  were  discussed  at  the  close  of  the  last 
parliament,  April  1796,  on  the  motion  of  Mr.  Curwen. 

i  Alluding  to  the  long  debates  on  the  Dog  and  Bitch  bill,  brought 
into  parliament  in  1796,  by  Mr.  Dent.  7'he  bill  is  a  little  allegorical, 
sometimes  unintelligible,  and  often  ludicrous.  For  instance ;  I  shall  not 
look  to  Mr.  Pitt  or  Mr.  Wilberforce  for  an  explanation  of  the  following 
clause  in  it:  namely,  "  Provided  always,  that  no  person  tvho  shall  keep 
"  ANT  BITCH,  whelp,  8cc.  shall  be  charged  with  the  payment  of  the  said 
"  sum  until  such  bitch  &c.  shall  be  of  the  age  of- ."*  Sect.  2.  Cer- 
tainly the  bill  is  allegorical,  and  The  Keepers  of  bitches^  Sec.  complain, 
that  they  had  taxes  enough  to  pay  for  them  before.  Mr.  Fox  objected  to 
it  in  the  H.  of  Cs. ;  so  did  Lord  William  Gordon,  and  many  other  respecta- 
ble and  playful  members ;  but  in  the  H.  of  L.  the  Duke  of  Q£ensbury  said, 
"  It  did  not  much  signify."  If  Mr.  Pitt  means  that  taxes  should  be  an 
object  of  nvit.,  I  shall  soon  expect  to  bear  Mr.  Sheridan,  in  the  House,  call 
the  District  of  Downing  street  "  The  Borgo  Allegro."     (1796.) 

k  This  is  another  curious  subject  brought  into  the  House  in  April 
1796,  and  shews  that  Mr.  Fox  has  eloquence  of  all  materials  and  of  all 
metals.  Gold,  for  his  pension:  brass /or  his  opinions;  and  pewter 
for  his  constituents. 

1  See  his  letters  to  the  Scotch  peers.  All  his  affc^cting  eloquence 
•was  thrown  away  upon  them,  even  when  they  understood  many  of  the 
passages,  which  they  did  rrow  and  then.     (1796.) 

*  See  the  Act  for  granting  to  His  Majesty,  certain  duties  on  Bitches, 
Whelps,  8cc.  Sec.  passed  May  ig,  1796. 


C      180      J 

Tho'  Abram  Jones  ''  and  Jasper  Wilson  preach, 
With  names  uncouth,  but  not  unpolish'd  speech. 
Few  mark  the  'Journals  of  the  dubious  Moore,  "^171 
We  scent  the  tainted  gale  from  Gallia's  shore  ; 
Through  England  as  his  Various  Views  advance, 
We  smile,  but  trace  the  Mannerist  of  France. 
Godwin's  dry  page  p  no  statesman  e'er  believ'd, 
Though  fiction  aids,  what  sophistry  conceiv'd ; 


11  Two  assumed  names  of  political  writers,  instead  of  Cato,  Brutus, 
Sec.  but  it  is  a  foolish  custom  and  should  cease.  Of  Abram  Jones  I  have 
no  conjecture  ;   and  jasper  Wilson  is  still  dubious. 

m  John  Moore,  M.  D.  the  celebrated  author  of  Travels  into  France, 
and  Italy,  of  Zeluco,  of  Edward,  or  Various  V/eivs  of  life  and  manners 
in  England,  Sec.  he.  &c.  I  speak  of  him  only  as  a  public  author.  He  is 
a  sensible  and  entertaining  companion.  His  style  is  easy,  always  agreea- 
ble and  pleasing,  and  his  wit  is  playful.  His  pleasantry  on  physicians  is 
little  inferior  to  Moliere.  Vin-^ta  ccedit  sua.*  But  1  dislike  the  tendency 
of  various  parts  of  his  writings  when  he  speaks  of  the  Frencli  affairs,  I 
mean  of  the  principles  of  the  Jirst  Revolution,  wliich  led  to  the  cruelties, 
misery  and  distress,  which  have  been  s'mcs  felt  by  France  and  by  all  Eu- 
rope. It  is  impossible  that  Dr.  Moore  or  ?-,ny  other  man  of  sense,  can  be 
an  advocate  for  their  present  system.  I  dislike  the  perpetual  ridicule 
which  Dr.  Moore  throws  upon  hereditary  honour,  at  a  time  like  the 
present.     (1796.) 

p  I  have  given  some  attention  to  Mr.  Godwin's  work,  "  on  Poli- 
"  TiCAL  Justice,"!  as  conceiving  it  to  be  the  code  o{  improved  mof^ern 
ethics,  morality,  and  legislation.  I  confess  I  looked  not  for  the  Republic 
of  Plato,  or  even  for  the  Oceana  of  Harrington,  but  for  sometliing  difler- 

*  Hor.  Ep.  ad  Aug.  v.  220. 

t  First  published  in  2  vols,  .-jto  and  since  in  2  vols.  8vo. 


[      181      3 

Genius  may  droop  o'er  Falkland's  funeral  cry  ; 


ent  from  them  all.  I  looked  indeed  for  a  superstructure  raised  on  the 
revolutionary  ground  of  equality,  watered  with  blood  from  the  guillotine; 
and  such  I  found  it.  I  cannot  discuss  a  work  in  two  large  volumes  in  a 
note,  (tliough  some  would  dispatch  it  with  a  single  word)  but  in  general 
I  can  speak  as  much  of  it,  as  it  deserves,  in  a  short  compass  ;  I  mean,  as 
it  appears  to  me. 

The  first  trait  of  th,e  work  is,  a  certain  cold-blooded  indifference  to 
all  the  mild,  pious,  and  honourable  feelings  of  our  common  nature,  like 
all  the  Philosophers  of  the  new  Sect,  The  next  thing  observable,  is,  a 
most  affectionate  concern  and  regard  for  the  welfare  of  mankind,  who  are 
to  exist  ^cmp  centuries  hence^  when  the  endless  perfectibility  of  the  human 
species  (for  such  is  their  jargon)  shall  receive  its  completion  upon  earth ; 
Avhen  the  disciples  of  Dr.  Darwin  have  learned  to  manage  the  vjinds,  and 
direct  their  currents  at  pleasure,  and  the  descendents  of  Abbe  Sieyes  have 
calmed  the  v.aves  of  a  stormy  people  with  the  essential  oil  of  democracy. 
Another  trait  is,  that  all  political  justice  is  essentially  founded  upon  in- 
justice ;  if  plunder,  robbery,  and  spoliation  of  all  property  in  the  outset 
may  be  termed  injustice  ;*  though  to  be  sure  the  latter  end  of  his  com- 
monwealth rather  forgets  the  beginning.  But  I  must  say,  he  is  not  with- 
out some  kind  apprehension,  that  the  population  of  states  may  be  too 
great  under  the  blessings  of  equal  diffusion  of  property  under  the  proposed 
government,  for  which  he  provides  a  remedy ;  though,  for  my  own  part, 
I  think  such  a  government,  like  Saturn  of  old,-  will  be  reduced  to  the 
necessity  of  eating  up  its  children.  Again  :  another  discovery  seems  to 
be,  that  as  hitherto  we  have  had  recourse  to  the  agency  and  interference 
of  the  Deity  and  his  unalterable  laws,  to  account  even  for  the  fall  of  a 
stone  to  the  ground,  the  germination  of  a  blade  of  grass,  or  the  propaga- 
tion of  the  meanest  insect;  we  are  now  to  discard  the  superintendence  of 
God  in  human  and  terrestrial  affairs,  and  to  believe  in  no  providence  but 
our  own,  and  to  remake  ourselves  and  our  faculties.  He  seems  to  realize  a 

*  i.  e.  If  Mr.  Godwin's  principles  are  to  be  adopted  in  any  country,  ,' 
where  property  is  noiv  secured  bj>  the  laws. 


i  182  ] 

No  patriot  weeps,  when  gifted  villains  die. 


modern  fiction  I  once  read,  which  supposes  an  assembly  of  certain  philoso- 
/  phers  before  the  Deity,  when  some  of  them  are  said  to  whisper  in  his  ear, 
I  "  Between  friends,  we  do  not  believe  that  you  exist  at  all."  Further: 
as  to  suppose  a  divine  sanction  without  a  divinity  would  be  absurd,  there- 
fore^ every  institution  such  as  marriage,  which  in  all  civilized  nations  has 
been  hallowed  for  the  great  end  for  which  it  was  ordained,  is  to  be  vilified 
ridiculed,  argued  away,  and  abolished.  The  tender  sex,  deprived  of  the 
support,  comfort,  and  protection  of  their  natural  guardian,  is  to  be  deli- 
vered over  to  fancied  freedom  and  wild  independence,  but  in  reality  to 
misery  and  destitution  beyond  all  calculation.  Then  by  ivay  of  corollary, 
a  few  vulgar  virtues  and  once  honourable  affections,  as  piety  to  parents 
and  love  to  children,  as  such,  are  to  be  erased  from  tlie  breast.  Grati- 
tude for  kindness  and  tears  for  the  unfortunate  are  but  weakness;  there  is 
nothing  soothing  in  compassion,  and  friendship  has  no  consolation.  It 
would  seem,  that  a  well  of  water,  an  apple  tree,  or  any  th'wg  productive, 
is  more  valuable  than  man  to  man,  abstracted  from  the  mere  use  which  one 
raan  can  derive  from  another.  "  These  are  thy  gods,  O  Israel,  and  this 
"  is  the  worship  to  which  you  are  called!" 

Nevertheless  I  shall  still  venture  to  mention  with  reverence  and  humi- 
lity THE  GREAT  MORAL  CODE,  intended  for  all  mankind,  once  delivered 
and  ratified  by  Hui,  who  knew  what  was  in  man.  In  that  code  all  is 
practicable,  all  virtue  is  founded  in  mercy,  kindness,  benevolence,  and 
comfort,  alike  to  him  that  gives  and  him  that  takes.  There  man  plants, 
and  God,  not  man,  gives  the  increase;  there  we  find  no  wild  supposition 
of  an  interest  which  cannot  be  described,  as  it  does  not  exist;  no  actions 
without  a  motive  direct  and  reflected.  I  speak  here  of  perhaps  the  least 
part  of  the  Gospel  Code,  even  of  that  Revelation  which  was  given  unto 
men  in  a  manner  at  once  clear  and  perspicuous,  pure  and  unmixed,  uniform 
and  consistent,  persuasive  and  convincing,  powerful  and  authoritative,  in 
the  name  and  in  the  majesty  of  Him  who  is  from  everlasting  to  everlast- 
ing. The  Almighti-.' 

But  if  we  regard  mere  human  Institutions.  If  a  man  wishes  to  see 
a  practicable  system  of  policy  and  government,  founded  and  confirmed  in 


[      183      ] 
Who  now  reads  Parr  ?  whose  title  who  shall  give  ? 


the  experience  of  ages,  let  him,  if  he  has  been  awhile  led  astray  by  the 
meteors  of  Godwin,  walk  for  a  season  in  the  steady  light  which  Black- 
stone  has  diffused.  Let  him  study  the  Commentaries  on  the  English 
Laws,  as  they  exist  and  uphold  all  that  is  valuable,  or  perhaps  attainable, 
in  a  rational  and  civilized  nation  ;  and  then  let  him  consider  the  Theories 
of  Godwin  on  political  justice,  and  contemplate  the  government  which  '\ 
would  be  raised  on  his  principles.  To  me  there  seems  to  be  no  more  com- 
parison than  between  light  and  darkness.  What  the  great  Burnet* 
affirms  of  the  Deist  and  the  Atheist,  considered  merely  as  two  sects  in  phi-  j 
losophy,  is,  I  am  convinced,  not  wholly  inapplicable  to  the  two  political 
Sects  in  question.  "The  hypothesis  of  the  Deist  reaches  from  top  to 
"  bottom,  both  through  the  intellectual  and  material  world,  with  a  clear-  ? 
"  and  distinct  light  ever)'^  where;  is  genuine,  comprehensive,  satisfactory'; 
"  has  nothing  forced,  nothing  confused,  nothing  precarious.  "Whereas 
"  the  hypothesis  of  the  Atheist  is  strained  and  broken  ;  dark  and  uneasy 
"  to  the  mind,  commonly  precarious,  often  incongruous  and  irrational,  and 
*'  sometimes  plainly  ridiculous.''' 

I  can  allow  Mr.  Godwin  and  other  speculative  writers  on  government  \  ' 
to  be  ingenious.     They  must,  in  the  course  of  their  investigation,  now 
and  then  throw  out  a  neiv  idea,  but  in  general  the  greatest  part  of  their 
works  consists  of  very  old  ideas,  which   have  been  discussed  again  and 
again.     They  astonish  by  paradoxes,  and  allure  the  imagination  by  pros- 
pects without  a  limit ;    and  when  they  have  alternately  heated  and  con-      , 
ybwTZc/ecf  the  minds  of  men,  theij  c^iWlh^m  i'^  the  great  ivork,  namely,   the      ( 
subversion  of,  what  they  call,  prejudices,  and  the  overthrow  of  the  govern-      ; 
ment,  which  is,  "/^  Nosmos  Fabric Af a  est"  machiwa  muros."    I  can     { 
laugh  at  their  metaphysics,  and  even  be   amused  with  their  pantomime 
fancies,  as  such.     But  when  I  know  that  their  theories  are  designed  to  be 

*  Burnet's  Theory  of  the  earth,  b.  2,  ch.  10. — See  the  tenth  and 
eleventh  chapters  of  that  great  man's  work:  "On  the  Author  of  Nature, 
'*  and  on  Natural  Providence;" — a  master  treatise  of  reason  and  elo- 
quence.    I  wish  these  two  chapters  were  published  in  1  separate  pamphlet. 


[      184      ] 
Doctor  Sententious  hight,  or  positive?^  180 


brought  into  action,  and  when  they  tell  us,  that  they  hate  violence,  blood- 
shed, revolution,  and  misery,  and  that  truth  and  happiness  are  their  ob- 
jects; I  open  niy  eyes  to  see,  and  my  ears  to  hear;  and  having  honestly 
exerted  both  faculties,  I  declare,  from  private  conviction  and  from  pub- 
lic experience,  that  1  oppose  the  admission  of  their  doctrines,  whether 
recommended  by  Thomas  Paine  or  William  Godwin. 

Yet  a  moment.  Take  Mr.  Godwin  as  a  natural  philofopher,  and 
from  his  doctrines  let  the  reader  consider  the  state  of  his  understanding. 
Let  him  also  consider,  how  such  a  man  is  qualified  not  merely  to  reform, 
but  first  to  overthrow  and  then  to  rebuild,  the  whole  system  of  govern- 
ment, morality,  and  religion  in  such  a  kingdom  as  Great  Britain.  What 
opinion  can  we  entertain  of  a  man  who  seriously  thinks  that,  at  some 
iuture  period,  the  necessity  of  sleep  in  an  animal  body  maj/  be  superseded: 
— that  men  die  merely  by  their  o-am  fault  and  mismanagement^  but,  that 
the  immortality  of  the  organized  human  body,  as  it  is  now  formed,  might 
be  attained  by  proper  attention  and  care: — or  who  thinks  "  that,  hereafter 
"  it  is  by  no  means  clear,  that  the  most  extensive  operations  may  not  be 
"  within  the  reach  of  one  man,  or  to  make  use  of  a  familiar  instance, 
"  that  a  plough  may  not  be  turned  into  afeld,  and  perform  its  ofjice^  without 
"  the  need  of  superintendence !! !''  and  then  adds,  "It  was  in  this  sense 
"  that  the  Celebrated  Franklin  conjectured,  that  "  mind  would  one  day 
"  become  omnipotent  over  matter  1!!*" — Surely  we  may  say  with  the 
poet  of  Epicurus : 

Natural 
Perturbatur  Ibi  totum  sic  corpus,  et  omnes 
Commutantur  ibi  positurjE  PRiNciPiORUM.f 

I  have  referred  to  the  last  edition  of  Mr.  Godwin's  work,  as  he  has 
corrected  or  omitted  many  passages  which  were  in  the  4to  edition.  If  he 
will  but  go  on  with  more  last  thoughts,  I  think  he  will  shortly  reduce  it 
to  a  very  little  pamphlet.  1  could  make  such  a  collection  of  Beauties  (or 
what  Rabelais  might  call,  "  Antidoted  Conundrums'')  from  this  work,  as 


*  Godwin,  v.  2.  p.  494.  Ed.  8vo.         t  Lucret.  L.  4.  v.  670. 


C      185      ] 
From  Greek,  or  French,  or  any  Roman  ground, 


would  dazzle  even  a  modern  philosopher,  whose  "  mind  is  omnipotent  overi 
•'  matter,"  in  Mr.  Godwin's  and  Dr.  Franklin's  sense.  I  think  these'' 
Beauties  would  form  an  assemblage  of  the  most  curious  and  incongruous 
ideas  ever  exhibited,  fully  sufficient,  (as  Mr.  Godwin  expresses  it)  to 
"  rouse  (any  man)  from  the  lethargic  oblivious  Pool,  out  of  nvbicb 
"  every  finite  intellect  originally  rose!"  (vol.  2.  p.  88.  8vo  ed.)  Good 
heaven!  what  can  Mr.  Godwin  mean  by  such  ideas,  and  such  words! 
except  he  seriously  believes  that  human  souls  are  dipped  in  the  river  of 
oblivion,  or  drink  of  that  stream  as  described  by  Virgil.  Yet  even  this 
will  not  help  or  explain  Mr.  Godwin's  words,  for  he  says,  that  they 
"  ORiGiNALLr  rose  from  the  oblivious  pool."  Into  what  whirlpools  of 
desolating  nonsense  are  we  to  be  hurried,  as  the  sport,  the  scorn,  the 
ludibria,  the  puppets  of  these  Mew  Creators  of  the  moral  world?  Alas 
for  man!  wherever  they  lead  us  and  themselves,  methinks  it  is  deeper  and 
deeper,  confusion  worse  confounded ! 

The  further  I  proceed,  the  more  I  learn  to  distrust  swelling  men  and 
swelling  words  and  swelling  ideas,  but  above  all  in  political  subjects, 
from  which  most  is  to  be  dreaded.  Political  writers  of  this  class  are  not 
to  be  considered  as  the  speculators  of  former  times.  The  lucubrations  of 
Montesquieu  and  Locke  were  given  as  the  result  of  long  experience  and 
continued  meditation;  and  were  not  designed  to  produce  subversion,  but 
slow  and  gradual  reformation,  as  the  various  states  of  Europe  would 
admit.  The  writers  of  these  days  on  the  contrary,  throw  out  their  ideas 
at  a  heat,  and  intend  they  should  be  brought  into  immediate  aAion.  They 
are  not  friends  "  to  the  world,  or  the  world's  laiv."  For  I  would  inculcate 
it  again  and  again,  that  whatever  may  be  held  forth  to  us,  or  disguised, 
by  these  philosophers,  neither  their  plans,  nor  their  reforms,  nor  their 
systems,  can  ever  be  erected  or  established  in  the  kingdom  of  Great 
Britain,  but  upon  the  overthrow  of  the  Christian  Religion,  and  upon 
the  annihilation  or  the  disturbance  of  all  orders  and  ranks  in  society,  as 
they  now  exist.  And  this  cannot  be  effected,  but  through  the  necessary 
and  unavoidable  medium  of  plunder,   confiscation,  revolutionar)'  diurnal 

A  a 


C      186      ] 
In  mazy  progress  and  eternal  round 


inurders,  and  the  insurrection  of  the  enterprising  talents  of  gifted,  bold, 
and  bad  men  upox  all  property,  public  and  private^  upon  which  all 
modern  Revolutionists  rest  as  their  corner  stone,  and  their  final  hope.  * 

N.B.  if  this  7iote  is  too  long,  I  have  no  inclination  to  make  any 
apology  for  it.  My  conviction  and  my  fears  on  this  most  awful  subject, 
(while  it  may  jet  avail  us  to  consider  it)  sometimes  overpower  me  till  I 
absolutely  sink  under  them.  It  is  written,  I  hope  we  all  know  where, 
rivojuiveg  sv  u.yuiKX.  EKTENESTEFON  Tp«(7-/5v^£To. 

s  Though  the  reader  may  possibly  have  a  very  good  idea  of  a  sententious 
or  positive  Doctor,  in  general;  yet  my  specific  allusion  is  to  the  theology 
of  the  twelfth  century,  when  the  Doctors  were  divided  into  Doctores  Dog- 
matici  et  Positivi,  and  the  Doctores  Stntentiariiy  or  exjiounders  of  the 
famous  Book  of  Sentences  by  Peter  Lombard,  Bishop  of  Paris. — At 
present  Bishop  Gregoire  and  Bishop  Sie)*es  at  Paris,  give  their  Doctors 
some  famous  books  of  sentences  to  expound,  notis  et  comme-ntariis  perpe- 
tuis  DocToRis  GfiLLOTiNi,  who  causes  great  unanimity  of  sentiment 
among  the  Doctors,  and  arranges  their  several  heads  with  admirable  pre- 
cision.    (1796.) 

*  To  such  of  my  readers  us  are  conversant  in  those  authors  of  antiquity 
whose  precision,  of  thought  and  of  language,  has  conferred  dignity  and 
stability  on  those  principles  by  which  all  that  is  sacred,  or  venerable,  or 
useful,  or  necessary  to  well-being  is  maintained,  I  would  offer  the  words 
of  an  ancient  Christian  Philosopher  in  the  early  ages.  The  uncertainty, 
and  weakness,  and  futility  of  modern  end  revived  doctrines  were  never 
better  exposed  or  expressed.  h5»  yccp  /^ot  a-x.&To;  xyjotx?  u-rxurx,  kui  xttxty! 
f/,tXxiycc,  xxt  x-ruoci  TrXxv/,,  kxi  ccnXYii  ^avreco'ict,  xcci  ofxasTacAjj^rTOf  ccyvoiu. 
TxvTX  TOivvv  dii^riXfoy,  €»Aejt«£v«5  Oiii,xt  T>iy  iv  TOif  2oyu,X(riv  aa-xt  xxiTut 
iyx*Ti6Tnrx,    text   Ui    «;    X7:rUB6y    xvroi?    kxi   xoparTov    Trpona-iv   tj    ^yiTr,s-ii   tu-j 

ItfXyuXTUv,  KXl  TO  T5>iOJ  XVTUy  XTlKfUtfTOV  KXl  X^ftjS-TOV,  tfiyU  /^yiOiVi  ■7ri(thf,\»i 
KXt  XoyM    CX^Si    oi^XlHiliVOV. 

Hermix  Atxs-vo/^oi  (sive  Irrisio)  tuiv  i%u  ^iXccrc^m.  Page  i75..,.Sul4. 
fin:  Ed.  Paris.  Justin.  Martyris  Op.  1636. 


[      187     ] 

Quotations  dance,  and  wonder  at  their  place, 
Buzz  through  his  wig,  and  give  the  bush  more  grace. 
But  on  the  mitred  oath  that  Tucker  *  swore 
Parr  wisely  ponder'd,  and  his  oath  forbore. 
He  prints  a  Sermon:  "Hurd  with  judging  eye 
Reads,  and  rejects  with  critic  dignity : 
Words  upon  words !   and  most  against  their  will, 
And  honied  globules  dribble  through  his  quill,  1 90 
Mawkish,  and  thick;  earth  scarce  the  tropes  supplies, 
Heav'n  lends  her  moon  and  crouded galaxies ;^ 


t  Josiah  Tucker,  D.  D.  Dean  of  Gloucester,  o  vctva,  once  took  an 
oath  in  a  pamphlet  that  he  would  refuse  a  bishopric. 

tt  The  unfortunate  Education  Sermon,  which  Bishop  Hurd  hap- 
pened to  dislike.  Hinc  illx  lacryma!  This  produced  the  re-publication 
of  Warburton's  and  Hurd's  tracts,  with  the  splendid  and  astonishing  dedi- 
cation by  Dr.  Parr.  See  the  First  Dialogue  of  the  P.  of  L.  See  also 
Rabelais's  great  Chapter,  ''  How  Gargantua  spent  his  time  in  rainy 
"  weather,"  and  the  comment  by  Du  Chat. 

V  Dr.  Pan-'s  own  words.  See  the  P.  of  L.  Dialogue  i.  and  Dr. 
Parr's  own  Dedication  of  Warburton's  tracts,  p.  151,  Sec.  with  all  the 
display  of  beautiful  earthly  and  celestial  imagery,  and  all  the  melliti  ver- 
borum  globuli,  which  were  exhibited  on  the  occasion  in  such  admirable 
confusion,  "  ut  majus  sit  basce  contortiones  orationis,  quam  signorum  ortus 
"  obitusque,  perdiscere."  Cic.  de  Fato,  Sect.  8.  Dr.  Parr's  -strange  ver- 
biage* reminds  me  of  some  persons  in  Toe  Hasps  of  Aristophanes; 

*  I  have  been  misunderstood.  I  hold  up  none  of  Dr.  Pan's  3c;squi- 
pedalia  verba  to  ridicule;  it  is  his  verbiage  and  pbra:;eo!op;y  whicli  I  re- 
probate.    It  would  be   ridiculous  indeed  to    compure  tbc   Binnivghani 


[      188      ] 

Polemic  phrenzy  and  irreverent  rage, 
And  dotard  impotence,  deform  the  page. 

Ap^xiof^iXYiai^a)V6Pfvvi^vipotTii>  3 '5*  S^jjxe?, 

Or  as  Plautus  expresses  himself  in  one  of  his  comedies  ; 

"  Salva  res  est,  philosophalur  quoque  jam: 

"  Quod  erat  ei  nomen  ? — 7'hesaurocbrjsonicocbrysides." 

Captiv.  A.  2.  S.  2. 
The  Doctor  can  construe  all  this,  I  believe,  and  the  meaning  of  it. — 
Dr.  Parr  is  so  very  learned,  and  has  such  a  deep  mouth,  that  some  con- 
jecture he  was  not  born  til!  the  end  of  the  eleventh  month,  like  the  great 
Gargantua ;  or  ■Tripi-rXouiva  tvixurov,  at  the  eiid  of  a  twelfth  month,  as 
"Homer  speaks  (Od.  xi.  v.  247.)  of  one  of  Neptune's  children,  and  for 
which  Aulus  Gellius,  (a  favourite  author  with  Dr.  Parr)  gravely  assigns  a 
reason,  "  Convenisse  Neptuno  majestatique  ejus,  ut  longiore  tempore 
"  satus  ex  eo  grandesceret.  Lib.  3.  Cap.  16.  itth  ax.  xTn^tiXtct  iwxt  A6xvx- 
*'  T4)vl!l" — A  few  months  after  the  Doctor's  birth,  he  was  found  like 
Gargantua  to  be  "a  fine  boy,  and  had  a  burly  physiognomy ;  he  monochor- 
"  dized  with  his  fingers,  and  barytonized  with  his  tail."  Rabel.  B.  i.  C.  7. 
This  was  a  presage  of  the  noise  the  Doctor  was  to  make  hereafter;  but 
from  the  nature  of  his  boyish  diet,  (for  his  masters  were  stiled  Tubal 
Holofernes  and  Panocrates  Matseologus)  it  appeared  that  he  was  better 
fed  than  taught.  If  the  child  wanted  a  bit  of  bread,  or  a  slice  of  mutton, 
or   any  common  vegetable,  he  was  not  suffered  to  have  any,  till  he  had 

Doctor  with  Dr.  Samuel  Johnson.  I  am  not  his  Biographer.  It  is  not 
his  life,  but  his  writings  which  I  criticise.  What  has  Dr.  Parr  written? 
A  Sermon  or  two,  rather  long;  a  Latin  Preface  to  Bellendenus,  (rather 
long  too)  consisting-  of  a  cento  cf  Latin  xnd  Greek  expressions  applied  to 
political  snbi"cts:  another  preface  to  some  English  tracts,  and  two  or 
three  English  pamphlet?  about  his  own  private  quarrels.  And  this  is  the 
man  to  be  compared  with  Dr.  Samuel  Johnson  III  (Added,  1797.)  Why 
am  I  forced  into  a  confirmation  cf  my  opinion  stronger  and  stronger  ? 


[      189      ] 

Let  him  but  wrangle,  and  in  any  shape 
Not  insignificance  itself  can  'scape : 
Horace  and  Coombe  ''  go  forth  a  gentle  pair, 
Splendid  and  silly,  to  unequal  war ; 


quoted  all  the  Greek  or  Latin  authors  who  had  mentioned  these  natural 
substances,  Pliny,  Athenjeus,  Julius  Pollux,  Galen,  Porphyry,  Oppian, 
Polybius,  Dionysius  Halicarnassensis,  Heliodorus,  Aristotle,  Plato,  Aulus 
Gellius,  ^lian,  Theophrastus,*  and  Dioscorides,  down  to  BufFon  and  Sir 
John  Hill.  This  habit  the  child  never  lost  in  his  riper  years,  to  the  great 
edification  of  his  hearers  or  readers,  when  he  was  furnished  with  pen  and 
ink.  When  he  was  advanced  to  the  Doctorate,  the  child  was  still  the 
same,  as  appeared  in  his  complimentary  and  satirical  preface  to  Bellende- 
nus,  in  which,  as  usual,  he  discharged  all  the  literary  food  he  ever  atey 
ofter  the  Greek  fashion  of  his  masters  Tubal  Holofernes  and  Ponocrates 
Matxologus,  and  as  prescribed  by  that  great  and  consummate  Theologian, 
"  Joanninus  de  Barrauco  in  libro  dc  copiositate  reverentiarum,"  a  writer 
who  cannot  be  sufficiently  recommended,  and  who  is  as  ivell  knonvn  as 
"  MusAMBEUTius  in  Commonitorio  ad  Ramiresium  de  Prado,"  quoted 
by  Mr.  Porson  in  his  title  page  of  his  Letters,  to  regale  Archdeacon 
Travis. 

X  See  the  ridiculous  controversy  between  Dr.  Parr  and  Dr.  Coombe, 
the  little  man-midwife  and  critic,  about  a  pompous  edition  of  Horace, 
published  to  be  sure  for  no  purpose  that  I  can  discover;  which  the  Doctor 
Positivus  mangled  and  destroyed  in  the  British  Critic  without  any  mercy. 
See  also  Dr.  Parr's  strange  Letter  to  Dr.  C.  on  this  occasion,  signed 
"  By  an  Occasional  Writer  in  the  British  Critic." 

*  I  recommend  to  Dr.  Parr  the  following  passage  from  Theophras- 
tus's  History  of  Plants,  which  he  will  understand:  Eiru.i';  cc/c/Jca^  •^w^cni, 
Tpoj  re  MH  <I>YAAOMANEIN,  i7ri'jtti^7i  icc(,t  iTTiKur^^s-i  t«v  s-irav,  Theo- 
phrast.  Hist.  Plant.  Lib.  8.  c.  -. 


[      190      ] 

But  while  the  midwife  to  Lucina  prays,  199' 

The  Gorgon  glares,  and  blasts  the  critic's  bays. 
Parr  prints  a  Paper  ^  well ;  in  all  things  equal, 
Sense,taste,wit,  judgment;  but  pray  read  The  Sequel: 
Sequel  to  what?  the  Doctor  only  knows; 
Morsels  of  politics,  most  chosen  prose. 
Of  Nobles,  Priestley,  Plato,  Democrats, 
Pitt,  Plutarch,  Curtis,  Burke,  and  Rous,  and  Rats; 
The  scene  ?   'tis  Birmingham,  renown'd  afar 
At  once  for  half-pence,  and  for  Doctor  Parr. 

OCTAVIUS. 

Well  if  none  read  such  works,  yet  all  admire — 

AUTHOR. 
The  paper  ? 


y  Dr.  Parr  published  at  Birmingham  what  he  called  a  "  Printed 
"  Paper;"  and  after  that,  "  a  Sequel  to  a  Printed  Paper,"  a  very  large 
pamphlet,  de  omni  scibili,  as  usual. — N.  B.  T  really  think  it  is  impossible 
to  point  out  any  man  of  learning  and  ability,  (and  Dr.  Parr  has  both,) 
■who  has  hitherto  wasted  his  powers  and  attainments  in  such  a  desultory, 
unmeaning,  wild,  unconnected,  and  useless  manner,  as  Dr.  Parr. — In 
riullum  reipublicx  usum  ambitiosa  loquela  inclaruit."* — I  have  done  with 
him. 

*  Tacit.  Ann.  L.  4.  Sect.  20. 


[      191      ] 
OCTAVIUS. 

Yes;  ten  shillings  every  quire:  ^210 
The  type  is  Bulmer's,7«5^  like  Boydell's  plays  : 
So  Mister  Hayley  shines  in  Milton's  ^  rays. 
In  one  glaz'd  glare  tracts,  sermons,  pamphlets  vie, 
And  hot-press'd  nonsense  claims  a  dignity. 

AUTHOR. 

Nonsense  or  sense,  I'll  bear  in  any  shape, 
In  gown,  in  lawn,  in  ermine,  or  in  crape; 
What's  a  fine  type,  where  truth  exerts  her  rule  ? 
Science  is  science,  and  a  fool's  a  fool. 


a  Not  Dr.  Parr's  paper  or  printing,  which  in  some  of  his  works  is 
sometimes  scarce  legible;  but  I  allude  to  and  condnr.n  the  general  need- 
lessly expensive  manner  of  publishing  most  pamphlets  and  books  at  this 
time.  See  the  Pursuits  of  Literature  Dialogue  i.  If  the  present  rage  of 
printing  on  fine,  ereamy  wire-wove,  vellum,  hot-pressed  paper  is  not  stop- 
ped, the  injury  done  to  the  eye  from  reading,  and  the  shameful  expense 
of  the  books,  will  in  no  very  long  time  annihilate  the  desire  of  reading, 
and  the  possibility  of  purchasing.  No  new  work  wbatsoever  should  be 
published  in  this  manner,  or  Literature  "vvill  destroy  itself. 

b  Mr.  Hayley  wrote  a  long  life,  or  rather  a  sort  of  defence  of  Mil- 
ton, as  I  think,  prefixed  to  Boydell's  grand  edition  of  the  poet.  I  like 
neither  the  spirit  nor  the  execution  of  Mr.  H's  work. 


C      192     ] 

Tet  all  shall  read,  and  all  that  page  approve, 
When  public  spirit  meets  with  public  love.      220 
Thus  late,  ^  where  Poverty  with  rapine  dwelt, 
Rumford's  kind  genius  the  Bavarian  felt, 
Not  by  romantic  charities  beguil'd 
But  calm  in  project,  and  in  mercy  ^  mild; 
Where'er  his  wisdom  guided,  none  withstood, 
Content  with  peace  and  practicable  good ; 
Round  him  the  labourers  throng,  the  nobles  wait, 
Friend  of  the  poor,  and  guardian  of  the  state. 

Tet  all  shall  read^  "^  when  bold  in  strength  divine, 
Prelatic  virtue  guards  the  Christian  shrine,       230 


c  See  the  Experimental  Essays,  Political,  Economical,  and  Philoso- 
phical, by  Benjamin  Count  of  Rumford,  Sec.  &c.  Sec.  I  hope  the 
Directors  of  the  interior  Government  of  this  country  will  have  the  sense 
and  wisdom  to  profit  from  this  most  valuable  and  important  work,  whose 
truly,  philosophic  and  benevolent  author  must  feel  a  joy  and  self-satisfac- 
tion, far  superior  to  any  praise  which  man  can  bestow. 

d  A  distlnguising  feature  in  all  his  plans  for  the  relief  of  the  poor, 
the  idle,  the  abandoned,  and  the  wretched.  Tbe  mode  of  conferring  7nercy 
and  apparent  kindness  is  not  always  mild  and  merciful.  I  have  too  much 
respect  for  my  readers  to  enlarge  on  this  virtue.  May  they  all  feel  expe- 
riroentally,  that  the  merciful,  in  the  true  sense,  shall  obtain  mercy. 

e  See  the  important,  convincing,  and  eloquent  Letters  addressed  to 
Thomas  Paine,  author  of  the  Age  of  Reason  second  part,  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Richard  Watson,  Bishop  of  LandafF,  stiled,  "  An  apology  for 
the  Bible."    Every  person,  wishes,  that  the  Bisliop  had  changed,  or  v,'oulci 


[      193      ] 

Pleas'd  from  the  pomp  of  science  to  descend, 
And  teach  the  people^  as  their  hallow'd  friend; 
In  gentle  warnings  to  the  unsettled  breast, 
In  all  its  wand'rings  from  the  realms  of  rest, 
From  impious  scoffs  and  ribaldry  to  turn, 
And  Reason's  Age  by  reason's  light  discern  ; 
Refix  insulted  truth  with  temper'd  zeal 
And  feel  that  joy  which  Watson  best  can  feel. 

True  Genius  marks  alone  the  path  to  life. 
And  Fame  invites,  and  prompts  the  noble  strife, 
Her  temple's  everlasting  doors  unbarr'd;  241 

Desert  is  various,  various  the  reward: 


even  now  change,  the  word  "  Apology"  to  "  Defence,"  or  any  other;  not 
that  the  word  "  apology"  is  absolutely  improper,  but  becausj  the  original 
meaning  of  it  is  obsolete.  To  write  such  a  book  as  this  is  to  do  a  real 
SERVICE  TO  MANKIND.  A  cheap  edition  of  it  is  printed,  and  it  is  hoped, 
will  be  circulated  throughout  the  kingdom....!  would  also  particularly 
recommend  the  perusal  of  the  Sixth  Letter  of  the  Series  of  Letters  which 
the  Bishop  addressed  to  Mr.  Gibbon.  To  young  men  of  fashion  and  of 
abilities,  originally  goody  but  obscured  by  libertine  life  and  conversation, 
it  will  be  peculiarly  serviceable,  as  well  as  to  those  who  are  led  astray  by 
some  modern  pretended  discoveries  in  natural  philosophy,  now  a  favourite 
mode  of  introducing  and  enforcing  scepticism  and  infidelity.  I  think 
also  that  his  "  Defence  of  Revealed  Religion"  in  two  short  Sermons  is  of 
great  merit  and  general  utility.  Bishop  Watson  should  often  write  but 
with  the  utmost  caution  and  accuracy  and  consideration,  because  his 
works  Will  always  be  read. 

Bb 


[      19^      ] 

No  little  jealousy,  no  ill-tim'd  sneer, 
No  envy  there  is  found,  or  rival  fear. 

Methinks  on  Babylon  fond  fancy  dreams, 
Her  vale  of  willows  by  the  mournful  streams, 
A¥he.re  Hebrew's  lyres  hung  *'*^  mute !  O'er  Sion's  hill 
Blows  the  chill  blast,  and  baneful  dews  distill,  ^'^ 

cc  "  The  banks  of  t/je  rivers  of  Babylon^  the  Euphrates,  Sec.  were 
"  so  thickly  pl.vitcd  with  vjilloiv  ti-tes,  as  the  learned  Bochart  inferms  us, 
"  that  the  country  of  Babylon  was  thence  called,  '  The  Vale  of  Wil- 
"  lows,'  and  on  those  trees  were  suspended  the  lyres  of  the  captive 
"  Hebrews  neglected  and  unstrung."  See  Persian  Miscellanies.,  by 
William  Ouseley,  Esquire,  4to.  p.  ioi.  abounding  with  learned,  pleasing, 
and  curious  information.  It  is  one  of  those  works,  which  not  being 
adapted  to  general  reading  should  be  patronised  and  purchased  by  men 
of  fortune  and  education.  I  beg  leave  for  the  same  reasons,  to  recom- 
mend the  ingenious  Mr.  Maurice's  History  of  Hindostan  in  4to.  and 
his  Indian  Antiquities  in  8vo.  The  subject  is  indeed  in  the  region  of 
fancy  and  of  conjecture,  and  Mr.  M's  work  abounds  with  both.  But 
such  erudition,  ingenuity,  and  unremitting  diligence,  shouH  not  fail  of 
an  honourable  reward.  Sint  hic  etiam  sua  prxmia  laudi.*  (See  also  P. 
of  L.  Dial.  IV.) 

dd  I  read,  with  the  greatest  concern,  the  following  passages  in  the 
very  learned,  ingenious,  and  venerable  bishop  of  Worcester's  Preface  to 
tlie  quarto  edition  of  Warburton's  Works,  concerning  Dr.  Lowtb,  one  of 
the  greatest  men  whom  our  times  have  produced.  Dr.  Hurd  says ;  "  Bishop 
Lowth's  reputation,  as  a  writer,  was  raised  chiefly  on  his  Hebrew  Litera- 
ture, as  displayed  in  those  two  works,  his  Latin  Lectures  on  the  Hebrew 
poetr)',  and  his  English  version  of  the  prophet  Isaiah.  The  former  is 
well  and  elegantly  composed,  but  in  a  vein  of  criticism  not  above  the  com- 
mon: the  latter,  I  think,  is  chiefly  valuable,  as  it  shews  how  little  may  b^ 
*  Virg.  Kn.  i.  v.  6i. 


[      195      ] 

Where  is  the  charm,  that  sense  to  virtue  binds, 
The  social  sympathy  of  learned  minds,  :250 

The  common  int'rest,  universal  cause, 
And  all  that  piety  to  genius  draws  ? 
How  sweet  to  hear,   on  that  Parnassian  mount, 
Mild  waters  welling  from  the  favour'd  fount : 
Oh,  never  may  Castalia's  streams  divide 
From  Siloa's  brook,  and  Jordan's  hallow'd  tide. 

But  hark  what  solemn  strains  from  Arno's  vales 
Breathe  raptures  wafted  on  the  Tuscan  gales ! 
Lorenzo  rears  again  his  awful  head, 
And  feels  his  ancient  glories  round  him  spread  ;  260 
The  Muses  starting  from  their  trance  revive, 
And  at  their  Roscoe's  bidding,  wake  and  live.  * 


expected  from  Dr.  Kennicott's  Wark,  and  from  a  new  translation  of  the 
Bible  for  public  use."  Pref.  to  Warb.  4to  edition,  p.  94.  The  necessity 
of  any  observation  from  me,  in  this  note,  is  precluded  by  a  very  able  Let- 
ter to  Bishop  Hurd,  occasioned  by  his  Strictures  on  Archbishop  Seeker 
and  Bishop  Lowth,  by  a  member  of  the  University  of  Oxford,  which  I 
recommend  to  the  reader.  It  is  one  of  the  few  pamphlets  which  should 
be  preserved. 

e  See  "  The  Life  of  Lorenzo  de  Medici,  called  the  Magnificent,  by 
"  William  Roscoe,"  two  volumes  4to.  I  cannot  but  congratulate  the 
public  upon  this  great  and  important  addition  to  Classical  History,  which 
I  regard  as  a  phsenomenon  in  Literature,  in  every  point  of  view.  It  is 
pleasant  to  consider  a  gentleman,  not  under  the  auspices  of  an  university, 


C      196      ] 

The  Latian  genius  vindicates  his  state, 
And  proudly  hails  the  great  Triumvirate,^ 
Lords  of  the  lyre,  and  fathers  of  the  song, 
In  Fancy's  order  as  they  pass  along. 
There  musing  deep  in  philosophic  groves, 
His  Tuscan  Academe,  s  Lorenzo  roves; 


or  beneath  the  shelter  of  academic  bowers,  but  in  the  practice  of  the  law 
and  business  of  great  extent,  and  resident  in  a  remote  commercial  town, 
(where  nothing  is  heard  of  but  Guinea  ships,  slaves,  blacks,  and  merchan- 
dise, in  the  town  of  Liverpool;)  investigating  and  describing  the  rise  and 
progress  of  every  polite  art  in  Italy  at  the  revival  of  learning  with  acute- 
ness,  depth,  and  precision ;  with  the  spirit  of  the  poet,  and  the  solidity  of 
the  historian.  It  is  pleasant  to  consider  this.  For  my  own  part,  I  have 
not  terms  sufficient  to  express  my  admiration  of  his  genius  and  erudition, 
or  my  gratitude  for  the  amusement  and  information  I  have  received.  I 
may  add,  that  the  manner  in  which  Mr.  Roscoe  procured,  from  the  libra- 
ries at  Florence,  many  of  the  various  inedited  manuscripts  with  which  he 
has  enriched  the  appendix  to  his  history,  was  singularly  curious;  not 
from  a  Fellow  or  Traveller  of  the  Dilettanti,  but  from  a  commercial  man 
in  the  intervals  of  his  employment.  I  shall  not  violate  the  dignity  of  the 
work  by  slight  objections  to  some  modes  of  expression,  or  to  a  few  words, 
or  to  some  occasional  sentiments  in  the  Historian  of  a  Republic.  But  I 
recomm.end  it  to  our  country  as  a  work  of  unquestionable  genius,  and  of 
uncommrn  merit.  It  adds  the  name  of  Roscoe  to  the  very  first  rank  of 
English  classical  Historians. 

MUSAKUM   SPONDET  CHORUS,  ET  RoM  ANU  S  ApOLLC*   (1796.) 

f     Dante,  Bcccacio,  and  Petrarch. 

g  See  Mr.  Roscoe's  account  of  the  institution  of  the  Platonic  Aca- 
demy at  Florence,  and  the  Platonic  festival,  and  the  effects  of  it.  Vol.  I. 
p.  160,  S<c.  &c. 

*  Sulplcix  Sat.  V.  ult. 


C      197     ] 

While  prophets  of  his  great  reviving  name, 
From  isles  of  fragrance  and  Athenian  fame,     270 
Sages  and  Bards  in  classic  pomp  appear; 
Bessarion  ^'  and  Philelpho's  '  form  severe  ; 
Marsilius  ^  rob'd  in  olive,  Plato's  priest; 
Janus' with  treasures  from  the  learned  East; 
And  He,  who  from  Eleusis  flaming  bore 
The  torch  of  science  to  his  native  shore, 
Fam'd  Chrysoloras;""  and  Landino"  bold. 
In  studious  shades  high  converse  form'd  to  hold; ' 

h  Cardinal  Bessarion,  a  learned  and  eloquent  prelate,  honoured  with 
the  purple  by  Pope  Eugenius  the  4th  in  1439-  For  the  most  ample  ac- 
count of  the  restoration  of  Greek  literature  in  Italy  the  reader  must  con- 
sult the  learned  Hodius  de  Graecls  lUustribus,  Linguse  Graecx  literarumque 
humaniorum  Instauratoribus,  which  may  easily  be  procured ;  and,  if  con- 
venient, Tiraboschi's  History,  which  is  voluminous.  Tiraboschi  was  the 
Librarian  at  Modena. 

1  Philelpho. — A  professor  in  various  sciences  in  different  parts  of 
Italy,  who  introduced  many  curious  Greek  MSS.  into  that  country;  a 
man  of  erudition,  but  turbulent  and  intractable  in  his  temper.  "  Inge- 
"  nium  vagum,  multiplex,  volubile."  See  also  the  Academie  des  In- 
scriptions, torn.  10.  p.  691 — 751. 

k  Marsilius  Ficinus,  the  great  disciple  of  Plato,  whose  doctrines 
alone  occupied  his  attention,  or  rather  devotion,  and  which  appeared  in 
all  his  conduct  and  conversation. 

I  Janus  Lascaris,  a  man  of  eloquence  and  politeness,  and  of  imperial 
descent.  He  was  a  literary  missionary  of  Lorenzo,  and  brought  with 
him  from  the  east  a  treasure  of  two  hundred  manuscripts.  See  also 
Hodius  de  Grxcis  Illustribus,  p.  294,  for  several  curious  particulars. 


C      198      ] 

Politian,""  chief  of  all  th'  enlightcn'd  race 

In  Lydian  softness,  and  Horatian  grace;  280 

And  Michael, ""  whose  bold  hand  the  gods  direct, 

The  sculptor,  painter,  poet,  architect, 

Michael  to  Britain  dear,  so  Genius  spoke, 

When  his  last  praise  from  parting p  Reynolds  broke : 


m  Emanuel  Ghrysoloras,  stile  J  by  his  contemporaries,  the  Patri- 
arch of  Literature,  principally  the  Grascian. 

n  Christophero  Landino,  a  Professor  of  Poetry  and  Rhetoric  in 
Florence,  a  writer  of  spirit  and  depth  of  knowledge ;  and  author  of  a 
work,  once  celebrated,  called  the  "  Disputationes  Camaldulenses,"  formed 
on  a  plan  similar  to  the  Tusculan  disputations.  The  scene  supposed  is  a 
monastery  in  the  wood  of  Camaldoli.  The  account  of  it  by  Mr.  Roscoe, 
is  particularly  pleasing-  and  judicious.     Vol.  i.  p.  103,  he. 

nn  See  Mr.  Roscoe's  account  of  that  finished  and  polite  sholar  and 
poet,  Angela  Politiano,     It  were  an  injury  to  abridge  it. 

o  Michael  Angelo  Buonarotti.  I  wish,  however,  to  refer  the  reader 
again  to  Mr.  Roscoe,  v.  2.  p.  201,  See.  who  gives  animation  to  any  subject, 
new  or  old  ;  for  I  know  not  how  it  is,  but  as  it  seems  to  me, 

Huic  Miisa  indulgent  omnes,  hunc  poscit  Apollo* 

p  In  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds's  final  address  to  tlie  Royal  Academy,  as 
their  President,  he  concluded  an  able  panegyric  on  that  mighty  master, 
by  saying  that  the  last  word  he  wished  to  pronounce  from  the  Chair 
was,  "  Michael  Angklo."  It  was  a  word  heard  by  the  audience  with 
the  deep  silence  of  regret.  It  absolutely  repairs  me  to  talk  of  these  great 
men.    Such  is  the  power  of  departed  genius  1 

Far  pleasanter  to  me  is  the  language  of  commendation  than  the  tone 
of  censure.  I  wish  to  expatiate  freely,  when  I  can,  in  the  groves  and 
retreats  of  the  wise,  the  virtuous,  and  the   eminent,   with  philosophers, 

*  Vide  Art.  Poet.  1.  i.  v.  327. 


[      199      ] 

And  all  whose  brows,  with  ivy  grac'd  or  bays, 

Brighten'd  their  Leo's  visionary  days. 

Names  which  I  long  have  blest,  nor  blest  in  vain! 

Oh,  were  I  number'd  in  their  sacred  train, 

To  realms  of  purest  light,  where  heroes  dwell, 

Her  bolder  notes  the  willing  Muse  should  swell  290 

In  lyric  intonation  grave  and  deep, 

Nor  dream  with  folly,  nor  with  dulness  sleep; 

To  Cowper  and  to  Gifford  leave  the  rod, 

Tor  songs  celestial,  and  the  Delian  God: 

Then  calmly  to  the  secret  mount  retire, 

Bid  Satire  glance  on  folly,  and  expire. 

OCTAVIUS. 

Give  me  my  Sabine  grove,  tir'd  Horace  cried ; 
For  Cumse  thus  the  great  Aquinian  sigh'd: 
But  when  wild  waves,  and  wars,  and  tempests  rage, 
Ah,  who  can  find  the  soft  Saturnian  age  ?         300 

and  statesmen,  and  poets,  and  histoiians,  and  orators  of  higher  fame.     I 
love  the  regions  of  the  morning,  and  the  light  of  the  sun; 
09t  t'    Hif;  r^^iyitiir,? 

*  Horn.  Od.  L.  iz.  v.  -^. 


[      200      ] 

'Tis  your's  awhile  to  frown  on  classic  toys, 
OBlacIl  Letter  Dcg0  or  hoary  seventh-form  ^  Boys; 
Awhile  to  war  with  dunces,  fools,  and  knaves, 
Hirelings  of  state,  or  opposition  slaves, 
And  all  who  dare  profane  the  Muse's  dome  ; 
With  idle  random  fierceness  they  may  foam. 
None  shall  her  column's  stately  pride  deface  : 
The  snake  winds  harmless  round  the  marble  base.  *' 


<]  i.  e.  The  modern  Commentators  on  Shakspeare,  (See  Dial,  the 
First  of  the  P.  of  L.)  and  the  translators  (not  quite  The  Septuagint')  of 
Gray's  Elegy  into  Greek.     See  Dial.  3.  of  the  P.  of  L.  v.  i.  to  v.  60. 

r  My  friend  Octavius  means  by  this  allusion  to  observe,  that  the 
proper,,  constant,  and  undeviating  application  of  time,  learning,  and  talents, 
must  ultimately  resist  the  malignity  of  criticism,  and  rise  superior  to  tempo- 
raiy  neglect,  in  any  department  of  literature,  of  government,  or  of  society. 
And  as  I  conclude  the  first  part  of  this  Poem  with  a  sentence  from  Swift, 
I  wish  to  recommend  anotlier  from  that  great  master  of  life,  as  obvious 
perhaps,  and  as  little  attended  to.  The  sentence  is  this:  " /^  is  an  uncon- 
trolled truth,  that  NO  MAN  EVER  MADE  AN  ILL  FIGURE,  WHO  UNDER- 
STOOD  HIS   OWN  TALENTS,  NOR   A   GOOD  ONE,  WHO  MISTOOK   THEM." 


END  or   THE   THIRD  DIALOGUE. 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


DIALOGUE  THE  FOURTH. 


Ova   ciXctoirK07riv;»  s<p^s  xpuaiv  Etoo't^Sa*. 

QpYjixivii'  sv6tv  yxD  i^xtvsro  ttxcx  fiiv  loij,' 

AvTiKX  a'  £|  opio;  Kxrio/iirxTo  7r»f7rxXoivr«g. 
TPIS  y.i)>  o^i^xr'  im,    TO  AE  TETPATON  iy.i7»  TiKy.uf 
Aiyxs,   tv6x  di  at  kXvtx  iu^xrx  BEN0ESI  AIMNHS 
X^vfftx,  fAXfuxiDcvTX  Ttnvy^xrxi,   x^dtrx  xtn. 

Hoin.  II.  i^.  V.  ic. 


gc 


PREFACE 


TO  THE  FOURTH  DIALOGUE"^ 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE. 


l'ombra  sua  tornach'era  dipartitaI         Dante. 
"  Hear  bis  speech.,  but  say  thou  nought  J' 

"  But  one  word  more : — " 
"  He  will  not  be  commanded!"  Macbeth. 


xVS  I  have  now  brought  my  Poem  to  the  conclusion  which  I 
intended,  it  is  proper  and,  as  I  think,  respectful  to  offer  some  conside- 
rations to  the  public,  for  whose  use  it  was  written.  No  imitation  of  any 
writer  or  of  any  poem  was  proposed,  unless  the  adherence  to  the  principles 
of  just  composition,  and  a  general  observation  of  the  finished  models  of 
classical  literature,  be  considered  as  sucli.  In  the  Preface  to  the  First 
Dialogue  1  said,  what  I  now  repeat,  that  I  would  not  have  printed  it,  but 
from  a  full  conviction  of  its  tendency  to  promote  the  public  welfare.  My 
particular  ideas  on  che  nature  and  subject  of  Satire  I  expressed  clearly  and 
fully  in  the  Preface  to  the  Second  Dialogue,  and  under  the  influence  and 
impression  of  those  sentiments  1  wrote  the  work.  I  have  since  enlarged 
on  that  subject  in  the  Introductory  Letter  to  this  Poem.  In  my  Intro- 
duction to  the  Third  Dialogue,  feeling  the  importance  of  my  subject  in 
its  various  branches,  I  asserted  that,  "  Literature,  well  or  ill  conduct- 
"  ed,  IS  The  great  engine  by  which,  I  am  fully  persuaded,  all  civi- 
'•  LIZED  States  must  ultimately  be  supported  or  overthrown."      I  am  now 


*  First  printed  in  July,  1797. 


[      204      ] 

more  and  more  deeply  impressed  with  this  truth,  if  we  consider  the  nature, 
variety,  and  extent  of  the  word,  Literature.  We  are  no  longer  in  an 
age  of  ignorance,  and  information  is  not  partially  distributed  according 
to  the  ranks,  and  orders,  and  functions,  and  dignities  of  social  life.  All 
learning  has  an  index,  and  every  science  its  abridgment.  I  am  scarcely 
able  to  name  any  man  whom  I  consider  as  wholly  ignorant.  We  no 
longer  look  exclusively  for  learned  authors  in  the  usual  place,  in  the 
retreats  of  academic  erudition,  and  in  the  seats  of  religion.  Our  peasan- 
try now  read  the  Rights  of  Man  on  mountains,  and  moors,  and  by  the 
way-side  ;  and  shepherds  make  the  analogy  between  their  occupation  and 
that  of  their  governors.  Happy  indeed,  had  they  been  taught  to  make 
no  other  comparison.  Our  itnsexed  female  writers  now  instruct,  or  con- 
fuse, us  and  themselves  in  the  labyrinth  of  politics,  or  turn  us  wild  with 
Gallic  frenzy. 

But  there  is  one  publication  of  the  time  too  peculiar,  and  too  impor- 
tant to  be  passed  over  in  a  general  reprehension.  There  is  nothing  with 
which  it  may  be  compared.  A  legislator  in  our  own  parliament,  a  member 
of  the  House  of  Commons  of  Great-Britain,  an  elected  guardian  and 
defender  of  the  laws,  the  religion,  and  the  good  manners  of  the  country, 
has  neither  scrupled  nor  blushed  to  depict,  and  to  publish  to  the  world, 
the  arts  of  lewd  and  systematic  seduction,  and  to  thrust  upon  the  nation 
the  most  open  and  unqualified  blasphemy  against  the  very  code  and  volume 
of  our  religion.  And  all  this,  with  his  name,  style,  and  title,  prefixed  to 
the  novel  or  romance  called  "The   Momk."  (b)  And  one  of  our  public 


b  "  The  Monk,  a  Romance  in  three  volumes  hy  M.  I,ewis,  Esq. 
M.  P."  printed  for  Bell,  Oxford  Street.  At  first  I  thought  that  the  name 
and  title  of  the  author  were  fictitious,  and  some  of  the  public  papers  hinted 
it.  But  I  have  been  solemnly  and  repeatedly  assured  by  the  Bookseller 
himself,  that  it  is  the  writing  and  publication  of  M.  Lewis,  Esq.  Member 
of  Parliament.  It  is  sufficient  for  me  to  point  out  Chapter  7  of  Volume 
2.  As  a  composition,  the  work  would  have  been  better,  if  the  offensive  and 
scandalous  passages  had  been  omitted,  and  it  is  disgraced  by  a  diablerie 
and  nonsense  fitted  only  to  frighten  children  in  the  nursery.  I  believe 
this  7tb  Chapter  of  Volume  2.  is  indictable  at  Common  Laiv.  Edmund 
Curl  in  the  first  year  of  George  II.  was  prosecuted  by  the  Attorney  Gene- 


[     205      ] 

theatres  has  allured  the  public  attention  still  more  to  this  novel,  by  a 
scenic  representation  of  an  Episode  in  It.     "  0  Proceres  Censore  opus  esty 


ral  (Sir  Philip  Yorke,  afterwards  Lord  Hardwicke)  for  printing-  two 
obscene  books.  The  Attorney  General  set  forth  the  several  obscene  pas- 
sages, and  concluded  that  it  was  an  offence  against  the  King's  peace.  The 
defendant  was  found  guilty  and  set  in  the  pillory.  See  Str.  788.  i  Bar- 
nardist  29.  The  indictment  (in  Mich.  Term  i  G.  II.)  begins  thus: 
"  Edmund  Curl,  Existens  homoiniquuset  sceleratus,  nequiter  machinans 
"  et  intendens  bonos  mores  subditorum  hujus  regni  corrumpere,  et  eos  ad 
"  nequitiam  Inducere,  quendam  obscenum  libellum  Intltulat."  kc.  &c. 
— See  Sir  John  Strange's  Rep.  p.  777.  Ed.  1782.  In  tivo  or  three  days 
after  the  point  had  been  solemnly  argued,  and  the  judges  had  given  their 
respective  opinions,  Sir  J.  Strange  observes,  "  They  gave  It  as  their  unani- 
"  mous  opinion,  that  this  was  a  temporal  offence."  And  they  declared 
also  that  if  the  famous  case  of  the  Queen  against  Read  {6  Ann.  in  B.  R.) 
was  to  be  adjudged  (by  them)  they  should  rule  it  otherwise;  I.  e.  contrary 
to  Lord  Ch.  J.  Holt's  opinion.  The  Judges  were  Sir  Robert  (afterwards 
Lord)  Raymond,  Fortescue,  Reynolds,  and  Probyn.  We  know  the  pro- 
ceedings against  the  book,  entitled  "  Memoirs  of  a  Woman  of  Pleasure," 
by  John  Cleland.  To  the  passages  of  obscenity,  (which  certainly  I  shall 
not  copy  in  this  place)  Mr.  Lewis  has  added  blasphemy  against  the  Scrip- 
tures; if  the  following  passage  may  be  considered  as  such.  "  He  (the 
"  Monk)  examined  the  book  which  she  (Antonia)  had  been  reading,  and 
"  had  now  placed  upon  the  table.  It  was  the'  Bible.  '  How,'  said  the 
"  Prior  to  himself,  'Antonia  reads  the  Bible,  and  is  still  so  ignorant?' 
"  But  upon  further  Inspection,  he  found  that  Elvira  (the  mother  of  Anto- 
"  nia)  had  made  exactly  the  same  remark.  That  prudent  mother,  while 
"  she  admired  the  beauties  of  the  sacred  writings,  was  convinced,  that 
*'  unrestricted  no  reading  more  improper  could  be  permitted  a  young 
"  woman.  Many  of  the  naratives  can  only  tend  to  excite  ideas  the  worst 
"  calculated  for  a  female  breast;  every  thing  is  called  roundly  and  plainly 
"  by  its  own  name;  and  the  annals  of  a  brothel  would  scarcely  furnish  a 
"  greater  choice  of  indecent  expressions.  Yet  this  is  the  book  which  young 
"  women  are  recommended  to  study,  which  is  put  into  the  hands  of  chil- 


[     206      ] 


r 


"  a7i  Hai-uspice  nobis?*"     I  consider  this  as  a  new  species  of  legislative  or 
state-parricide.     What  is  it  to  the  kingdom  at  large,  or  what  is  it  to  all 

"  dren,  able  to  comprehend  little  more  than  those  passages  of  which  they 
"  had  better  remain  ignorant,  and  which  but  too  frequently  inculcate  the 
"  first  rudiments  of  vice,  and  give  the  first  alarm  to  the  still  sleeping  pas- 
"  sions.     Of  this  Elvira  was  so  fully  convinced,  that  she  Avould  have 
"  preferred  putting  into  her  daughter's  hands  Amadis  de  Gaul,  or  the 
"  Valiant  Champion  Tirante  the  White ;  and  would  sooner  have  author- 
"  ised  her  studying  the  lewd  exploits  of  Don  Galaor,  or  the  lascivious  jokes 
"  of  the  Damzel  Plazer  de  mi  vida."     (p.  247,  248.)!  Sec.     I  state  only 
what  is  printed.     It  is  for  others  to  read  it  and  to  judge.     The  falshood 
of  this  passage  is  not  more  gross  than  its  impiety.     In  the  case  of  Thomas 
Woolston,  in  the  zd.  ©f  George  II.  for  blasphemous  discourses  against  our 
Saviour's  miracles,  when  arrest  of  judgment  was  moved;  Lord  Raymond 
and  the  whole  Court  declared  they  would  not  suffer  it  to  be  debated, 
"whether  to  write  against  Chjietianity  in  general  (not  concerning  contro- 
verted points  between  the  learned,  but  in  general)  was  not  an  offence 
punishable  in  the  temporal  Courts  of  Common  law.     Woolston  was  im- 
prisoned one  year,  and  entered  into  a  large  recognizance  for  his  good 
behaviour  during  life.    Sir  Philip  Yorke,  afterwards  Lord  Hardwicke,  was 
Attorney  General  at  the  time.     The  case  of  the  King  against  Annet, 
when  the  Honourable  Charles  Yorke  was  Attorney  General,  (3d  of  Geo. 
III.)  for  a  blasphemous  book  entitled    "  The  Free  Inquirer,"  tending, 
among  other  points,  to  ridicule,  traduce  and  discredit  the  Holy  Scriptures^ 
is  well  known  to  the  profession.    The  punishment  was  uncommonly  severe. 
Whether  the  passge  I  have  quoted  in  a  popular  novel  has  not  a  tendency  to 
corrupt  the  minds  of  the  people,  and  of  the  younger  unsuspecting  part  of 
the  female  sex,  by  traducing  and  discrediting  the  Holy  Scriptures,   is  a 
matter  of  public  consideration. — '•  This  book  goes  all  over  the  kingdom  ;" 

*  Juv.  Sat.  2. 
.    t  I  refer  to  the  third  Edition  of  The  Monk.     Three  editions  of  this 
novel  have  been  circulated  through  the  kingdom,  without  any  alteration 
whatsoever. 


[      207      ] 

thqse  whose  office  it  is  to  maintain  truth,  and  to  instruct  the  rising  abili- 
ties and  hope  of  England,  that  the  author  of  it  is  a  I'ery young  man? 
That  forsooth  he  is  a  man  of  genius  and  fancy?  So  much  the  worse. 
That  there  arc  very  poetical  descriptions  of  castles  and  abbies  in  this 
novel?  so  much  the  worse  again,  the  novel  is  more  alluring  on  that  ac- 
count. Is  this  a  time  to  poison  the  waters  of  our  land  in  their  springs  and 
fountains?  Are  we  to  add  incitement  to  incitement,  and  corruption  to 
corruption,  till  there  neither  is,  nor  can  be,  a  return  to  virtuous  action 
and  to  regulated  life?  Who  knows  the  age  of  this  author?  I  presume, 
very  few.  Who  does  not  know,  that  he  is  a  Member  of  Parliament?  He 
has  told  us  all  so  himself.  I  pretend  not  to  know,  (Sir  John  Scott  does 
know,  and  practises  too,  whatever  is  honourable,  and  virtuous,  and  dig- 
nified in  learning  and  professional  ability)  I  pretend  not,  I  say,  to  know, 
whether  this  be  an  object  of  parliamentary  animadversion.  Prudence 
may  possibly  forbid  it.  But  we  can  feel  that  it  is  an  object  of  moral  and  of 
national  reprehension,  when  a  Senator  openly  and  daringly  violates  his  first 
duty  to  his  (b)  country.  There  are  wounds,  and  obstructions,  and  diseases 
in  the  political,  as  well  as  in  the  natural,  body,  fbr  which  the  removal  of 
the  part  affected  is  alone  efficacious.  At  an  hour  like  this,  are  we  to 
stand  in  consultation  on  the  remedy,  when  not  only  the  disease  is  ascer- 
tained, but  the  very  stage  of  the  disease,  and  its  specific  symptoms?  Arc 

are  the  words  of  Judge  Reynolds,  in  the  case  of  E.  Curl.  What  Mr. 
Lewis  has  printed  publicly  with  liis  name,  that  I  state  publicly  to  the 
nation.  Few  will  dissent  from  the  opinion  of  Lord  Raymond  and  the 
Court,  in  the  case  of  Curl  above  stated,  as  reported  by  Strange  and  Barnar- 
diston  to  this  effect ;  "  Religion  is  part  of  the  common  law,  and  therefore 
"  whatever  is  an  offence  against  that,  is  an  offence  against  the  Common 
"  Law."     With  this  opinion,  I  conclude  the  note. 

d  All  members  of  the  legislature,  Peers  or  Commoners,  should  join 
in  sentiment  and  in  character  with  the  Athenian  orator,  and  be  consider- 
ed as  speaking  to  their  country  in  these  words:  "  Hun?,  ok;  i-tx  y-oa  ra^ei 
*'  Vfoyovtuv  vn-xp^ariy  iv  ry,  UxT^i^i,  kch  aixT^tZxi,  y.xi  e-jyy,hixi  ui6'  vftan 
*'  ihivhgci,  y.xi  yxf*.tn  xxix  ras  nof^H?,  xxi  >ir,^ifTXi,  x.Xi  T£x»«,  xhoi  t>i| 
"  v^sTEfflc;  5r<«-TS«?.  xtA.     iEschin:  v.^i  Ux^xTr^iT^nx;."     Sect,  r  I. 


[     208      ] 

we  to  spare  the  sharpest  instruments  of  authority  and  of  censure,  when 
public  establishments  are  gangrened  in  the  life -organs? 

I  fear,  if  our  legislators  are  wholly  regardless  of  such  writings,  and 
of  such  principles,  among  their  o%vn  members,  it  may  be  said  to  them,  as 
the  Roman  Satirist  said  to  the  patricians  of  the  empire,  for  offences  slight 
indeed,  when  compared  to  these: 

"  At  vos  Trojugenas  vobis  ignoscitisy  et  quae 
"  Turpia  cerdoni  Yoltsos  Brutosqae  decebu?it.  e. 

There  is  surely  something  peculiar  in  these  days;  something  wholly  un- 
known to  our  ancestors.  But  men,  however  dignified  in  their  political 
station,  or  gifted  with  genius,  and  fortune,  and  accomplishments,  may 
at  least  be  made  ashamed,  or  alarmed,  or  convicted  before  the  tribunal 
of  public  opinion.  Before  that  tribunal,  and  to  the  law  of  reputation, 
and  every  binding  and  powerful  sanction  by  which  that  law  is  enforced, 
is  Mr.  Lewis  this  day  called  to  answer. 

I  would  also,  in  this  place,  select  a  work  by  a  Roman  Catholic  Divine, 
for  that  animadversion  it  so  solemny  demands.  I  mean  the  Preface  to  the 
Second  volume  of  Dr.  Geddes's  Translation  of  the  Bible.  I  really  would 
not  trust  myself  to  critcise  the  Translation  itself,  after  I  had  read  the 
fifth  Chapter  of  Judges,  v.  30,  where  for  the  words,  "  To  every  man  a 
"  damsel  or  two,"  Dr.  Geddes  translates,  by  way  of  a  spirited  and  invit- 
ing urt-provement,  "  A  Girl,  A  COUPLE  OF  GIRLS,  to  each  brave  man!"  I 
will  have  nothing  to  do  with  ruE  Doctor's  Bravery;  but  I  Intend  to  make 
a  few  observations  on  the  Preface  alone,  which  is  very  extraordinary  in- 
deed, and  by  no  means  in  the  spirit  which  the  sacred  writings  seem  to 
recommend.  I  am  always  pleased  with  every  serious  attempt  to  elucidate 
the  Scriptures,  and  am  as  ready  as  any  man  to  acknowledge  the  merit 
and  learning  of  an  industrious  and  ingenious  scholar.  But  though  1  dif- 
fer essentially  from  Dr.  Geddes,  I  am  sure  I  shall  never  call  him  "  apos- 
"  tate,  infidel,  or  heretic"  in  general  terms,  as  he  knoius  some  persons 
will  do ;  (Pref.  p.  4.)  but  I  may  oppose  an  opinion  to  an  opinion.  The 
Cause  in  which  he  is  engaged  is  not  a  trifling  cause,  nor  is  it,  as  we  are 
sometimes  told,  an  object  of  mere  classical  criticism.  I  think  there  is  an 
unbecoming  levity  in  the  Doctor's  manner  more  frequently  than  1  could 

e     Juv.  Sat.  8.V.  181. 


[     209      ] 

vvi«h,  and  he  expresses  his  sentiments  in  language  not  easily  understood  at 
all  times,  nor  according  to  the  genius  and  conunon  grammar  of  the  EnglisV 
tongue.  But  his  meaning  and  opinion  is,  that  "  the  Historical  Books  of 
"  the  Old  Testament  were  7iot  divinely  inspired."  He  tells  us  (p.  12.)  of 
"  a  partial  and  putative  inspiration,"  and  that  the  ^vriters  had  not  "  a  per- 
"  petual  and  unerring  sufflation."  I  do  not  quite  understand  the  terms, 
as  they  are  too  sublime  for  a  plain  Englishman,  but  I  suppose  they  are 
very  fine,  and  1  suppose  their  meaning  from  other  sentences  in  the  preface. 
He  says,  (p.  3.)  tliat  "  The  Hebrew  Historians  wrote  them  from  susb 
"  human  documents  as  they  could  find,  popular  traditions^  old  songSf  ana 
"  public  registers."  Singular  materials  truly  for  divine  inspiration!  But 
he  says  also,  "  I  venture  (and  it  is  indeed  venturing  a  great  deal)  I  venture 
*'  to  lay  it  down  as  a  certain  truth,  that  there  is  no  intrinsic  evidence  of 
"  the  Jewish  Historians  being  divinely  inspired;  that  there  is  nothing  in 
"  the  style,  or  arrangement,  in  the  whole  colour  or  complection  of  their 
"  compositions,  that  speaks  the  guidance  of  an  unerring  spirit,  but  that 
"  on  the  contrary^  every  thing  proclaims  the  fallible  and  failing  writer." 
(p.  5.)  Dr.  G.  declares  also,  "  After  reading  the  Hebrew  writings,  and 
"  finding  to  his  full  conviction  so  many  intrinsic  marks  of  fallibility,  error 
"  and  inconsistency,  not  to  say  downright  absurdity,"  (p.  ii.)  he  could 
not  believe  their  inspiration,  even  if  he  were  taught  it  by  an  angel.  I 
have  thus  introduced  the  reader  to  the  Doctor's  most  explicit  opinion; 
but  I  will  also  present  him  with  his  solemn  affirmation,  and  he  will  easily 
decide  on  the  propriety,  the  reasoning,  and  the  consistency  of  it.  "  / 
"  value  them  not  the  less"  (says  Dr.  Geddes)  "  because  I  deem  them  nat 
*'  divinely  inspired."  (p.  12.)  If  a  man  can  seriously  assert,  that  the 
Scriptures  inspired  by  God  (upon  that  supposition  being  granted)  are  not 
more  valuable  than  the  productions  of  a  mere  fallible  wretched  creature 
like  man,  in  his  best  estate,  I  really  coidd  not  lose  my  time  in  argument 
with  that  man  however  learned,  or  however  gifted.  He  has  degraded 
himself  from  that  rank  of  literature  and  of  sound  understanding,  which 
gives  him  a  title  to  be  answered.  Dr.  Geddes,  as  a  scholar,  should  re- 
consider his  character,  and  as  a  professed  Christian,  he  should  re-examine 
his  principles.  I  cannot  discuss  the  doctrine  of  inspiration  in  this  place  j 
it  cannot  be  expected  that  I  should.  But  the  tendency  of  all  the  proceed- 
ings of  our  scholars  and  guides  in  literature,  and  in  the  state,  and  in  reli- 

Dd 


C    210    3 

gion,  should  be  carefully  watched.  The  open  blasphemy  and  low  scur- 
rility of  Thomas  Paine  has  been  set  aside  by  just  argument,  and  the  law 
of  the  land  has  armed  itself  against  its  effect  in  sociery.*  Mr.  Lewis, 
Jrlember  of  Parliament,  has  attacked  tbe  Bible,  as  I  have  just  shewn,  in 
another  and  in  a  shorter  manner,t  blasphemous  as  far  as  it  goes,  and  tend- 
ing to  discredit  and  traduce  its  authority.  And  last  Dr.  Geddes,  a 
Translator  of  tlie  Bible,  versed  in  the  original  language  and  in  Hebrew 
criticism,  has  new  begun  his  attack  also  on  the  historical  parts,  which,  if 
they  are  not  part  of  the  inspired  writings,  are  not  intitled  to  the  name  of 
sacred  Scriptures.  It  is  difficult  to  say,  where  these  attacks  will  end. 
The  times  are  so  precarious,  and  revolt  from  all  authority  human  and 
divine  so  frequent,  that  the  magistrate,  the  satirist,  and  the  critic  have 
an  united  office,  i/'the  i6 /^^or/cc/ parts  of  the  Bible  are  given  up,  another 
man  will  arise  and  object  to  the  poetical  parts.  These  will  be  allowed  to 
have  sublimity  and  dignity  ;  but  it  will  be  asked,  nvhy  should  they  be  con- 
sidered as  inspired?  All  poetry,  we  shall  be  told,  is  in  some  sense  inspired ; 
Homer  and  jEschylus  and  Shakspeare,  and  %vby  not  the  Hebrew  bards. 
The  moral  portion  of  the  Scriptures  is  evidently  full  of  wisdom  and  of 
the  soundest  sense,  and  I  suppose  we  shall  soon  hear  it  may  be  the  work  of 
a  pbiloscpher,  and  that  morality  is  not  matter  of  inspiration.  A  fourth 
writer  may  first  insinuate  ivitb  great  respect,  and  tlien  prove  that  all  pro- 
phecy is  ambiguous;  and  that  the  prophecies  in  the  Bible  may  be  conjec- 
tural, and  therefore  no  reliance  can  be  had  on  their  inspiration.  Lastly 
we  may  be  loosely  and  indiscriminately  told,  that  the  doctrinal  parts  are 
so  much  above  as  well  as  contrary  j.  to  human  reason,  that  they  could  not 

*  I  am  glad  to  bear  testimony  to  the  excellence  of  Mr.  Erskine's  elo- 
quent declamation  in  the  court  of  K.  B.  in  the  cause,  on  Newton,  Boyle, 
Locke,  and  other  great  men,  the  defenders  of  Christianity — But  my  getie- 
ral  opinion  of  Mr.  Erskine's  talent  for  writing  and  public  political  speak- 
ing is  very  different.  Westminster  Hall  is  his  theatre.  We  might 
almost  say :  Tanquam  in  pistrimim  aliquod  detrudi  et  compingi  videtur. 
(See  a  future  note  on  this  Poem,  Dial.  4.) 

t  In  "  The  Monk,  a  Romance."    See  above.  Pref. 

:j:  As  the  subject  is  so  important,  and  words  are  so  frequently  mis- 
applied or  misapprehended,  it  is  always  of  use  to  remember  the  words 


[  211  ] 

con:e  froyn  God.  Thus  might  the  whole  fabric  vanish  into  air,  into  tbin 
air:  or  to  reverse  Mr.  Gibbon's  phrase,  thus  might  "  the  triumphant  ban- 
"  ner  of  the  heathen  Capitol  be  again  erected  on  the  ruins  of  the  Churck 
"  of  Christ."  Still  we  are  to  sit  silent,  still  we  are  to  hear  with  pntience 
the  outrageous  presumption  of  man  before  his  merciful  Creator  I  while 
"  The  world  and  its  adorable  Author,  /.its  attributes  and  essence,  Lis 
"  power,  and  rights,  and  duty  (I  tremble  to  pronounce  the  word)  be  ail 
"  brought  together  to  be  judged — before  us."*  We  are  to  assemble  in 

Faith  and  Reason,  as  contradisting'uished  to  each  other.  Mr.  Locke  has 
defined  them  with  a  clearness  and  a  precision  which  can  never  be  exceed- 
ed, and  which  should  never  be  forgotten,  in  thought  or  in  conversation. 
"  Reason,  as  contradistinguished  to  Faith,  I  take  to  be  the  discovery 
"  of  the  certainty  or  probability  of  such  propositions  or  truths,  which  the 
"  mind  arrives  at  by  deductions  made  from  such  ideas  which  it  has  got  by 

"  the  use  of  its  natural   faculties,  namely,  by  sensation  or   reflection. 

*'  Faith,  on  the  otlier  side,  is  the  assent  to  any  proposition  not  thus 
"  made  out  by  the  deductions  of  reason,  but  upon  the  credit  of  the  proposer, 
"  as  coming  from  God,  in  some  extraordinary  way  of  communication. 
"  This  way  of  discovering  truths  to  men,  we  call  Revelation."  Locke's 
Essay  on  the  Human  Understanding,  B.  4,  C.  18.  An  attention  to  this 
accurate  definition  would  prevent  all  confusion,  and  oftentimes,  very  idle 
or  profane  jargon  in  conversation.  Mr.  Locke's  ivhole  chapter  on  this 
subject  should  be  studied. 

*  Ogden's  Sermons,  Hallifax's  edit.  vol.  i.  p.  2. — There  was  some- 
thing peculiarly  amiable  in  the  kind  and  disinterested  office  which  the  late 
Bishop  of  St.  Asaph,  Dr.  Hallifax,  undertook  in  the  vindication  of 
the  memory  and  writings  of  two  great  men  (quales  et  quantos  viros.'J 
Bishop  Butler  and  Dr.  Ogden.  It  will  be  an  eternal  honour  to  that  very 
acute,  learned,  and  most  judicious  prelate.  Cicero  shall  speak  for  this 
prelate.  No  man  once  better  understood  the  strength  and  application  of 
his  language,  when  he  filled  the  professorial  chair  of  Civil  Law,  as  the 
ULPiAN  of  his  day,  in  the  University  of  Cambridge.  "  Idoneus  mea 
*'  quidem  sententiaj  prjescrtim  quum  et  Ipse  Eum  aiidi-cerit  et  scribat  de 
"  mortuo;  ex  quo  nulla  suspicio  est  amicitise  causa  euni  esse  men  itum." 
Cic.  de  Clar.  Orat.  Sect,  15.     What  ^uch  a  writer  as  Dr.  Hallifax  has 


[     212     ] 

the  Temple  with  all  our  princes,  and  lords,  and  potentates,  and  venerable 
oiders,  and  our  high  officers,  in  all  the  gradations  and  dignities  of  our  state 
and  hierarchy,  till  some  Champion  of  anarchy  and  infidelity  be  brought 
forth  as  in  sport,  and  placed  between  the  pillars.  He  may  bow  himself 
•with  all  his  might,  but  his  strength,  1  trust,  will  not  be  from  above ;  he 
will  ^^feel  the  nature  of  the  pillars  nvhereupon  the  house  standeth  !"  I  speak 
this  in  general.  I  do  not  apply  it  to  Dr.  Geddes  or  any  such  scholar.  It  is 
not  now  6)r  the  first  time  that  the  Canon,  and  the  inspiration,  and  the  authen- 
ticity of  the  Scriptures  have  been  examined;  and  their  internal  evidence 
has  often  taught  a  diiTerent  lesson.  I  cannot  help  offering  one  suggestion, 
as  it  is  new  to  me.  If  there  is  a  subject  in  the  Bible  which  has  been  par- 
ticularly singled  out  for  prof ane  ridicule,  it  is  that  of  Jonah  being  swal- 
lowed up  in  the  whale's  belly  three  days  and  three  nights.  Yet,  as  if  to 
confound  human  wisdom,  or  sagacity,  or  vanity,  and  as  an  eternal  lesson 
to  human  presumption  on  the  fitness  and  unfitness  of  the  subjects  of  inspira- 
tion, The  Saviour  of  the  World  himself  thought  proper  to  choose  and 
to  appropriate  this  event  To  himself.*  "  As  Jonah  was  three  days  and 
"  three  nights  in  the  whale's  belly,  so  shall  The  Son  of  Man  be  three 
"  days  and  three  nights  in  the  heart  of  the  earth  I"  St.  Matthew,  c.  12.  v. 
40. — I  solemnly  protest,  I  have  no  other  object  in  view  in  w'hatever  I  have 
written,  but  the  good  of  man  in  all  his  best  interests,  complicated  as  they 
are,  at  this  awful  and  pressiiig  hour.  More  hyet  in  our  power  than  we 
may  even  imagine;  but  all  the  orders  of  the  state  must  unite  vigorously 
and  powerfully  in  their  specif  c  functions  to  preserve  it.  The  priests  and 
ministers  of  the  Lord  must  also  stand  between  theporcli  and  the  altar,  and 
exert  themselves  "before  their  eyes  begin  to  warjdim  that  they  may  not 
"  see,  and  ej-e  the  lamp  of  God  goeth  out  in    \^t  temple  of  the  Lord, 

told,  who  would  tell  again?  I  only  speak  in  honour  to  the  memory  of  a 
Scholar,  whose  name,  and  high  attainments  in  science,  should  be  record- 
ed.     To  yxf  yi^ct';  t(rri  Savovruv. 

*  Sji^Ejev  I&ipas  Tn  npe<?'j?r»I  are  the  very  words  of  Christ.  Can  words 
be  more  explicit?  Yet  a  German  professor,  J.  G.  Eichhorn,  the  succes- 
sor of  the  great  Michaelis,  thinks  it  just  if  able  to  expel  the  prophetic  book 
of  Jonah  from  the  present  canon  of  the  Scripture. — See  his  German  In- 
troduction to  the  Old  Testament. 


[     213     ] 

♦'  WHERE  fHE  Auk  of  God  was!"* — I  am  desirous  that  all  persons  of 
literature  and  good  sense,  and  lovers  of  their  country,  should  be  convinced 
to  what  end  we  may  at  last  be  conducted,  if  we  are  not  aware  of  our 
danger.  When  indeed  I  consider  the  future  condition  of  Europe  imder  the 
revolutionary  tyranny  of  France,  in  principles,  morals,  and  government,  I 
muse  upon  the  awful  strain  of  the  Florentine  poet : 

*'  Si  trapassammo  per  sozza  mistura 

"  Dell  'ombre  e  della  pioggia,  a  passi  lenti, 

"  Toccando  un  poco  la  vita  futural"t 
But  to  return.  The  objects  of  public  regret  and  offence  are  now  so 
numerous  and  so  complicated,  that  all  the  milder  offices  of  the  Muse  have 
lost  their  influence  and  attraction.  It  is  indeed  unfortunate  that  scarce  si 
subject  in  literature  can  be  interesting  without  the  science  and  matter  of 
politics.  They  give  a  colour  to  our  very  thoughts,  (f )  We  are  borne  down 

f     "  Quibus  occupatiis  et  obsessus  animus  quantulum  loci  bonis  artibus 
"relinquit!"  Dialog,  de  Oratoribus   C.    29. — I  cannot  resist  giving  an 
opinion  at  this  time.  (July  1797.)  My  prime  objection  to  any  proposed 
Ministiy  of  Mr.  Fox  and  his  adherents  is  this.     I  believe  their  principles 
are  too  popular  for  the  good,  the  safety,  or  perhaps  for  the  existence,  of 
this  country  under  its  present  constitution.     I  believe,  that  their  design 
is  to  throw  such  a  weight  of  power  into  the  House  of  Commons,  by  means 
of  a  Reform,  as   would  ultimately  mould  the  two  Houses  of  Parliament 
not  merely  into  a  resemblance,  but  into  the   actual  form  and  relative 
power  of  the  Council  of  Five  Hundred,  and  the  Council  of  Ancients.     I 
am  also  of  opinion,  that  the  authority  and  influence  of  the  Crown  of  Great 
Britain,  would  be  reduced  far  below  that  which  is  lodged  in  the  Execu- 
tive Directory  of  France.     I  think  the  proposed  Reforms  lead,  beyond  a 
controversy,  to  this  issue,     I  conceive  that  a  great  Personage,  in  the  case 
of  a  change  of  Mr.  Pitt's  Ministry,  must  be  apprehensive,  to  whom  he  is 
to  be  delivered,  and  to  what  he  may  be  reduced.     The  pride  of  a  states- 
man's understanding,   like   Mr.  Fox's,  in  the  plenitude  of  dignity,  will 
overbear  all  ideas  of  a  balance  of  power  in  the  orders  of  the  state,  and  of 
the  safety  of  the   country,  upon  its  ancient  principles.     He  has  declared 

*  Sam.  b.  I.  ch.  3,  v.  3.         t  Dante  Inf.  Cant.  6. 


C     214      ] 

■with  a  force  not  to  be  resisted,  when  our  very  existence,  as  a  nation 
under  its  ancient  laws,  and  constitution,  and  establishments,  has  been 

his  opinion;  lie  nuist  not  recede.  All  will  be  sacrificed  ^o  that  pride  in  a 
moment  of  phrcnzy.  The  example  of  every  state,  nation,  and  crty,  sub- 
dued by  French  arms,  French  principles,  and  French  treachery,  is  to  be 
weighed  well,  as  an  awful  warning  in  this  kingdom,  which  may  yet  be 
presei-ved.  The  encroachments  of  such  a  statesman,  as  Mr.  Fox,  (para- 
mount as  he  is  in  ability  and  in  political  eloquence  beyond  any  man)  are 
to  be  watched  and  resisted  by  all  who  think  soberly,  and  are  independent 
of  party.  Yet  Mr.  Fox  neither  could,  nor  would,  satisfy  the  raving  and 
tyrannical  ideas  of  Home  Tooke  and  the  French, crew.  They  would 
make  use  of  him  to  a  certain  point.  They  vvould  then  declare  him  an 
enemy  to  his  country,  and  conduct  him  to  the  scafFold.  "  Corpora 
"  lente  augescunt,  cito  extinguuntur."*  The  security  of  property,  pub- 
lic and  private,  is  shaken  by  the  proposed  system,  and  a  Revolution  (which 
we  never  yet  have  known  but  in  mere  name)  might  then  be  at  hand.  A 
government  which  once  relaxes,  is  not  easily  recalled  to  the  vigour  of  its 
ancient  principles.  We  have  among  us  statesmen  of  determined  and 
true  patriotism,  and  this  final  misery  m:iy  yet  be  prevented.  We  have  a 
King,  who  has  courage,  virtue,  and  firmness.  Of  his  Minister,  the  Right 
Honourable  William  Pitt,  I  have  given  my  opinion  often  in  another  place  ; 
I  have  not  altered  my  sentiments. 

I  certainly  cannot  say  with  the  great  Satirist  under  Louis  the  14th, 
''Que  ma  viie  a  Colbert  inspiroit  l'allegresse."t 
I  speak,  and  I  have  spoken,  most  impartially  of  Mr.  Pitt.  I  am  neither 
tor  a  proscription  of  any  political  talents,  nor  for  an  hereditary  claim  to 
the  public  oiUce  of  Prime  Minister.  But  if  the  principles  of  any  statesman 
are  such,  as  to  induce  a  real  and  effectual  change  in  the  government,  tliat 
statesman  sliouM  not  be  admitted  to  rule.  If  the  ancient  and  established 
principles  of  the  English  constitution  are  maintained,  a  Prime  Minister 
may  conduct  public  affairs,  even  with  a  mediocrity  of  talent.  It  is 
neither  Mr.  Pitt,  nor  Lord  Lansdown,  nor  Mr.  Fox,  nor  Mr.  Grey,  who 
are  necessary  to  the  function.     P>at,  by  the   disastrous    consent  of  the 

*  Tacit.  Agric.  ap.  init.  f  Boileau  Eo.  to. 


C     215     ] 

rendered  dubious.  I  would  particularly  recommend  the  serious  perusal  of 
the  account  given  by  Tbiicydides  of  the  democratic  sedition  in  Corcyre. 
The  reader  would  be  convinced,  that  the  same  peculiarities  mark  all  popu- 
lar seditions  and  insurrections,  the  same  pretexts,  the  same  motives.  The 
insurgents  declare  the  friends  of  the  lawful  and  established  government 
enemies  to  the  popular  representation  and  interest.  Some  of  these  insur- 
gents have  private  enmities  to  revenge,  and  others  have  debts  to  cancel. 

whole  nation  and  its  Parliament,  tbinkino-  rightly,  proposing  soundly, 
and  n^eaning  honestly,  are  nothing  without  speaking  well — Let  me 
add  a  word  or  two  on  a  subject  not  quite  foreign  to  this  note.  The  ex- 
ample of  a  very  learned  and,  in  my  opinion,  a  very  virtuous  and  honour- 
able man,  to  whom  the  country  is  under  much  obligation,  j\Ir.  Reeves, 
Avill  deter  any  man  from  volunteer  effusions  in  favour  of  any  Minister.  It 
v'ould  not  be  amiss,  to  be  sure,  if  Mr.  R.  or  any  other  writer,  would 
read  Aristotle  and  Quintllian  on  tropes  and  metaphors,  before  he  adorns  his 
native  language  with  all  the  richness  of  imagery,  and  exerts  the  com- 
mand, which  nature  gives  him,  over  the  figures  of  speech.  T'riinco,  non 
frondlbus,  efficit  umbram.  For  my  own  part,  when  his  pamphlet,  "  The 
"  Thoughts  on  the  English  Government,"  was  published,  I  never  felt 
more  indignation  than  when  I  sav/  this  gentleman  ungenerously  and 
shamefully  aba.ndoned  and  given  up  by  Mr.  Pitt  in  the  House  of  Commons 
to  the  malice  of  his  avowed  enemies  and  to  a  criminal  prosecution  in  the 
Court  of  King's  Bench.  He  was  solemnly  acquitted  of  any  libellous  in- 
tentions; but  his  language  was  imprudtnt.  He  fell  a  victim  to  metapho- 
rical luxLii  lance  and  state-botany.— (See  "  Thoughts"  Sec.  as  above,  p.  1 2 
and  13,  for  Mr.  Reeve's  Simile  of  the  Constitutional  Tree  and  its  Branch- 
es. J  It  was  the  deep  and  important  obf.ervation  of  Aristotle;  E»  furx- 
^ipiiv  i7Ti  V  iv  Qiii)^iiv.  See  also  the  tenth  chapter  of  Aristotle's  Rheto- 
ric, Book  3.  which  I  recommend  to  all  political  v»'riters  and  speakers  ; 
De  Urbanis  Metaphoris,  or  Tnot  tcjv  xs'tumv,  y-ca  ruv  ii,^oKiy,^yzi»'j.  Those 
great  critics,  Messrs.  Fox  and  Sheridan,  differed  however  essentially 
from  Aristotle  in  this  point,  in  their  Commentaries  read  publicly  in  the 
House  of  Comm.ons  on  this  text:  T&»  hUm^po^m  iuicy.iti^ci  fAnXie-Tei.  ui 
x«r«  «>«Afiy;«v.  Rhet.  L.  3^  c.  10.  s.  3. 


C      216      ] 

Death  Is  the  universal  solvcnt.(ff )  The  historian  observes,  they  held  forth 
either  the  specious  offer  of  greater  equality  of  power  among  the  citizens^ 
or  a  more  temperate  form  of  aristocracy^  or  some  state  expedient  varying 
■with  the  l;our;  but  each  leader  in  reality  had  his  own  private  views  of 
ambition,  or  power,  or  riches,  but  accommodated  his  speeches  to  the  pre- 
vailing humour  of  the  day.(g)  This  as  we  have  all  known,  has  been  trans- 
acted step  by  step  upon  a  great  and  tremendous  scale  in  France.  The 
Italian  and  Belgian  states  are  following  them  with  headstrong  and  infuri- 
ate revolution.  We  have  indeed  more  to  preserve  than  any oTher 
CoUNfRT  under  Heaven ;  and  we  may,  by  wise  regulations,  hereafter  re- 
store even  the  finances  of  the  state.  We  must  never  forget  that  the  sta- 
bility of  our  present  Constitution  is  the  sole  stability  of  all  property',  pub- 
lic and  private.  I  speak  from  awful  and  trembling  conviction  Our  Ruin 
can  be  effected  bt  political  Reform  alone,  and  our  Enemies  at 
home,  and  in  France,  know  that  I  speak  the  truth.  We  in  Great  Bri- 
tain, who  are  yet  in  a  condition  to  preserve  ourselves,  see  and  read  and 
feel  these  things.  The  grant  of  one  demand  leads  necessarily  to  another 
"when  any  material  alteration  in  a  state  or  government  is  conceded.  If  the 
second  is  refused  after  the  first  has  been  granted,  we  are  then  told,  that 
there  is  a  want  of  consistence  in  the  plan,  and  that  it  were  more  advise- 
able  to  have  kept  the  state  as  it  was,  than  to  admit  only  a  partial  reform. 
We  surely  cannot  be  said  to  be  duped  -^wX  fooled  by  Reformers,  without 
warning  from  histon,-  and  from  experience.  The  constitutional sX2.ltsxx\tr\ 
of  Great  Britain  cannot  notv  be  ignorant  of  the  nature  of  "  a  Modern 
Reform  in  any  state  of  Europe."  The  greater  the  difficulty  and  danger, 
the  greater   the   fury  of  the  Revolutionists.     Pindar  was  a  poet  and  a 

ff  Hear  the  great  Historian:  "  Ty,v  ^ttsv  untccv  iTripipovn?  ret?  tov 
hinfi»v  xcir»Xvv(7lv.  Avifxvov  nvi?  iOiX?  £;^^^p«?  zvikx,  kcci  xXhoi  y^^fiftxrat 
e-d:i(riv  e^U\6Uivo)v  Itto  rwv  Xx-sovToiy.    L.  3.  Sect.  8li 

g  Hear  Thucydides  again  in  his  ow'n  language.  "  0«  iv  rxig  "^cMfiv 
TrpecravTi;  ^er'  ovouxroc  ix.x(r~oi  ivTrfi-rnf,  vAfi^ag  l(rc>cy.txi  7ro>.iT(x?)5,  xxt 
Api(7~aK(xrtai  (m^ccvog  ■7riO'riju.r,trii,  rx  f^iv  x.oi;x  Asya  (ifxmvoni;  xi>.x 
zveivvrc,  7r«;'T<  o-  rodTru  xyuvt^citsvci  xXXaXuv  •xioiyiyvis-ixi' — Kut  ■/,  fiirx 
•^r,p\t  ctoi,x.v  x.xrxyyu7iui,  'A  /i£'^'  xrxfAivoi  to  y-fxrin,  iToiuoi  y,orxy  Ttii  xvTtKtt 
^tXoMiKixy  i/n-TTiUTrXiiyxi."      lb  Sect.  82. 


C     217     ] 

Statesman;  he  said,  Air^oGiTuv  Eptorav  o|yTSp«<  ftxvixi.*  A  man  of  a 
poetical  mind  either  wanders  into  futurity,  or  recals  the  images  of 
other  times  and  of  otb.cr  empires.  He  can  sometimes  even  descend  into 
the  regions  of  terrific  fable,  and  give  to  his  own  country  the  sentiments 
and  passions  of  antiquity,  and  body  forth  contending  parties  which  are  no 
more,  of  the  virtuous  and  the  valiant,  of  the  wicked,  the  desperate  and 
the  frantic.  At  such  an  hour  as  the  present,  and  with  the  objects  which 
we  see  and  hear  and  feel,  with  the  exultation  of  the  bad,  and  the  dejec- 
tion of  the  good,  and  the  labours  of  great  statesmen  to  preserve  us  from 
Jinal  misery^  can  we  forbear  to  contemplate  the  picture  drawn  by  that 
poet,  whose  only  Muses  were  Cxsar,  and  Brutus,  and  Cato,  and  the 
genius  of  expiring  Rome.f 

Tristis  FELICIBUS  umbris 
Vidtus  erat;  vidi  Decios  natumque  patremque, 
Lustrales  bellis  animas,  Jlsntemque  Camillum. 
Abruptis  Catilina  minax  fractisque  catenis 
Exultat,  Mariique  truces  nudique  Cethegi : 
Vidi  ego  Ixtantes,  popularia  nomina,  Drusos 
Leglbus  immodlcos,  ausosque  ingentia  Gracchos. 
iEternis  chalybum  nodis,  et  carcere  Ditis 
Constricts  plaiiserc  manus^  campos^ue  fiorum 

PoSCIT   TURBA   NOCENS !      (gg) 

gg  In  the  great  question  of  a  Reform  in  Parliment  (i.  e.  in  the 
House  of  Commons)  I  certainly  do  not  merai  to  call  figuratively  the 
Ministerial  ground,  the  Campi  Piorum,  but  I  call  the  Constitution  of 
England  and  its  defenders,  in  or  out  of  Parliment,  by  that  name.  Nor 
would  I  by  any  means  rank  the  gentlemen  of  opposition  with  the  Turba 
nocens.  That  Turba  nocens  are  the  levellers  and  the  patricians  of  democra- 
cy and  revolution.  But  the  licence  of  poetry  we  are  told  is  considerable, 
if  assumed  with  modesty.  The  question  itself  has  nothing  to  do  with 
invention,  though  as  I  think  \-i\\\c\\  fiction  is  employed  in  the  support  of 
it.  I  am  of  opinion,  tliat  in  the  outset  there  is  a  fiction  or  a  deceit.  We 
are  told,  we  must  recur  to  the  original  principle  of  the  H.  of  Commons; 
the  principle,  as  I  suppose,  on  v/hith  it  was  founded,  and  that  principle  is 

*  Nem.  Od.  ii.  t  I-ucan.  Pharsal.  L.  6.  v.  784. 

»  E  e 


C      218      ] 

The  present  Poem  was  not  composed  for  a  trivial  purpose,  or  without 
mature  thought.     It   is  the  fruit  and  study  of  an  independent  and  disin- 

declared  to  he  popular  in  the  modern  sense  of  that  word.  In  this  argument 
historical  truth  is  not  asserted;  I  would  maintain,  that  it  is  violated.  It 
is  contrary  to  matttrr  of  fact.  The  very  origin  of  the  House  itself  (the 
best  antiquaries  will  tell  you  so)  is  rather  doubtful.  The  more  remote 
your  inquiry,  the  greater  the  demonstration  of  its  original  weakness,  nay 
(I  say  it  with  grief)  of  its  political  insignificance.  It  was  a  Council, 
which  grew  out  of  a  greater  Council.  I  will  not  insult  my  reader  with 
information  on  the  subject.  But  it  is  matter  of  plain  historical  knowledge 
that  its  powers,  its  functions,  its  freedom,  and  its  consequence  have  been 
all  progressive  to  a  certain  period.  That  period  was  the  Revolution  (as 
it  is  foolishly  and  improperly  called)  in  1688.  At  that  Kra  the  House 
of  Commons  under  the  O.'d  Whigs,  attained  to  the  consummation  of  its 
glory  and  to  the  fullness  of  its  dignity.  As  I  here  speak  of  the  original 
principle,  I  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  subsequent  corruptions.  I  must 
own  I  do  not  wish  for  the  famous  Roman  plate  of  brass;  I  am  for  no  un- 
qualified Lex  Regia.*  Let  it  rest  in  the  Capitoline  Museum,  that  splen- 
did effort  of  Michael  Angelo.  I  abhor  abject  servility  and  all  its  monu- 
ments. I  never  wished,  I  am  sure  I  do  not  now  wish,  to  see  a?y'  Senate 
divest  itself  of  all  power.  I  would  not  see  a  Vespasian  in  any  country 
make  and  repeal  laws,  or  exercise  unlimited  authority,  without  the  advice 
and  consent  of  a  well-constituted  Senate.  I  venerate  the  institution  of 
the  House  of  Commons,  and  would  preserve  it  with  my  life;  but  I  shall 
raise  up  no  tree,  trunk  or  branches,  for  a  fatal  simile,  like  Mr.  Reeves. 


*  See  a  Dissertation  "  de  Mnta.  Tabula  CanitoUna  Romae  1757." 
Heineccius  and  Gravina  also  published  this  "Lex  Regia."  It  may  be 
read  at  full  length  in  Gruterl  Inscrlpt :  Antiq.  By  this  Law  the  Roman 
Senate,  in  the  most  abject  stile,  authcrised  Vespasian  to  make  and  repeal 
lavjs,  to  declare  peace  and  war,  and  to  exercise  everj  act  of  an  absolute 
sovereign,  without  waiting  for  their  consent  or  even  asking  their  advice. 
— This  authority  however  was  not  granted  to  all  the  Emperors  indiscri- 
minately; they  selected  (before  Vespasian)  Augustus,  Tiberius,  and  Clau- 
dius.    I  leave  the  reader  to  his  own  reflections. 


[      219      ] 

terested  life,  passed  without  the  inciimbrancs  of  a  profession  or  the  em- 
barrassment of  business.     It  was  not  intended  merely  to  raise  a  smile  at 

I  look  for  no  pasture  in  the  fields  of  Ministers  or  of  Booksellers:  nor 
would  I  be  turned  out  by  Mr.  Fox  and  Mr.  Sheridan  to  graze  on  the 
verdant  lawns  of  the  King's  Bench,  (once  intended  for  the  Chief  Justice 
of  Newfoundland,)  or  at  best  to  grub  and  delve  in  Mr.  Pitt's  Strc-v- 
yard.  I  neither  recur  to  Montesquieu  nor  to  Machiavel.  I  want 
not  to  be  told  by  the  former,  that  ^'' our  system  was  found  in  the 
"  woods,"  or  to  hear  from  Signor  Machiavel  and  Mr.  Fox,  that  "  States 
"  may  groiv  out  of  shape."  Such  were  the  \vords  of  Machiavel  quoted 
by  Mr.  Fox  in  the  House  of  Commons  on  May  26,  1797,  in  his  speech 
on  the  Reform  of  Parliament.  The  founders  of  the  French  Republic, 
and  the  i?f-founders  of  it  (for  it  has  heen  founded  three  times  already)  seem 
ahvays  to  have  had  ^Machiavel's  Discourses  on  Livy  in  their  view.  He 
says,  that  if  cny  power  or  powers,  (princes,  warriors,  or  demagogues) 
take  or  subdue  any  city,  province,  or  realm,  '■'they  should  make  all  things 
"  new  in  the  state."  The  words  are  most  particular.  "  Fare  ogni  cosa 
"  di  nuovo  in  quello  stato,  nelle  Citta  fare  nuovi  govertii  con  nuovi  nomi, 
*'  con  nuova  autorita,  con  nuovi  nomini,  fare  i poveri  ricchi,  disfare  delle 
"  vecchie  citta,  cambiare  gli  abitatori  da  un  luogo  ad  un  altro,  e  in  somma, 
"  non  lasciare  cosa  niuna  intatta,  e  che  non  vi  sia  ne  grado,  ne  ordine,  n^ 
"  stato.,  ng  richezza,  che  chi  la  tiene  non  la  riconosca  date'"*  The 
French  have  religiously  observed  the  advice.  IFe  are  told  in  the  House 
of  Commons  by  Mr.  Fox,  that  the  authority  of  Machiavel  is  great.  In 
my  opinion,  all  Tyranny  is  uniform  in  its  maxims.  But  the  Sig- 
nori,  Machiavel  and  Fox, still  tells  us  th^it'"' States  may  gronv  out  of  shape." 
For  my  own  part  indeed  I  would  rather  find  a  system  in  the  woods,  than 
in  modern  France ;  and  I  do  not  look  for  a  nevj  political  Dancing  Master 
every  time  there  is  a  twist  in  the  body.  To  hear  Mr.  Fox,  as  \ perpetu- 
ally do  in  the  House,  one  would  really  think  he  was  a  rival  to  Vestris  or 
Didelot.  He  has  been  long  trying  his  art  and  giving  lessons  to  Mr.  Pitt 
gratis.  That  Right  Honourable  Gentleman's  gait  still  continues  as 
aukward  and  stiff  as  usual.  He  will  not  bend.  A  graceful  bow  is  not 
his  ambition,  arid  Mr.  Fox  dances  before  him  every  day  tuithoiit  the  least 

*  Machiavel,  Diicor-.i  Lib.  i.  Cap.  6. 


[      220      ] 

folly  or  conceit;  br.t  it  was  written  with  indignation  against  wickedness, 
against  the  prostitution  of  superior  talents,  and  the  profane  violence  of 

effect,  Mr.  Fox,  I  believe,  is  of  the  opinion  and  principle  of  Monsieur 
Marcel,  the  famous  dancing  master  in  Queen  Anne's  reign,  who  said, 
■when  the  Earl  of  Oxford  was  made  Prime  Minister,  "  He  was  surprised, 
*'  and  could  not  tell  what  the  Oneen  could  see  in  him,  for  his  own  part 
"  he  never  could  make  any  thing  of  him."  To  be  sure  Mr.  Pitt 
is  every  day  placed  between  fHE  dancing  master  and  his  man,  but 
he  has  not  learned  ^rare  from  Mr.  Fox,  or  ivit  from  Mr.  Sheridan.  In- 
deed I  have  been  informed  that,  the  three  celebrated  Dancers  and  Ballet 
masters,  Messrs.  Fox,  Sheridan,  and  Grey,  are  preparing  a  new  Serious 
Divertisement,  or  Pas  de  Trois,  with  neiv  scenes,  dresses  and  decorationsy 
called,  "  Le  jDiRECTOiRE  Executif."  If  it  can  be  ^ot  zip  time  enough, 
it  will  be  brought  forward  this  season;  but  as  there  is  a  necessity  for  a  re- 
inforcement of  the  troops  from  Paris,  it  is  feared  the  old  dances  must 
cont.nue  to  the  end  of  the  season,  (June  1797.)  It  is  proposed  that  light 
should  be  thrown  on  the  stage  in  a  quite  new  manner;  but  the  BalJet- 
Masters  will  suffer  no  persons  to  be  on  the  stage,  or  to  view  the  machine- 
ry, behind  the  scenes.  Lord  Galloway  and  Lady  ^Mary  Duncan  have  ex- 
pressed their  approbation  of  this  rule,  so  much  for  the  interest  of  fHE 
Grand  Opera:  though  the  noble  Earl  is  contented  with  the  present  Grand 
Ballet- Master.  (June  1797.) — On  a  kindred  topic  I  would  observe  to  the 
classical  reader  another  singular  circumstance  in  ancient  times.  It  is 
from  the  Roman  State.  Since  we  have  been  all  arming  at  home  with 
alacrity  and  prudence,  and  (what  is  consequent  to  that)  with  effect, 
against  our  enemy,  and  the  militia  laws  have  been  extended,  it  is  curious 
to  call  to  mind  the  emphatic  clause  in  the  ancient  Roman  law  concerning 
the  exemption  of  particular  persons  from  military  service,  called  "  De 
"  VACjfiONE"  as  learned  civilians  well  know.  The  clause  is  this:  ^'■Nisi 
"  Bellum  Gallicum  exariatiir;"  in  which  case  not  even  the  Priests 
were  exempted.  I  will  illustrate  this  law  from  Plutarch  and  Cicero,  buc 
v/ill  not  translate  the  passages.  Pleitarch  has  this  singular  remark  in  the 
life  of  Marcellus:  "  Ov  yyav  «,\?i«  yAyxv  >i  riy,xfcc  -Trxpii^t  (peSov,  2;cc  t«v 
"  yiiTvixs-iy,  ou,onci>  xxt  rrootrbiKU  rroXitta)  ffviioKrouivan;,  xan  to  rrxXciiov  ot^tufAei 
"  ri)'j  TcAXecTay,  (the  Gauls  or  French)  ov?  fixXi(rTcc  ?t.-i4.x.ioi  ouaat  ^oKntriv, 


[      221      ] 

bad  men.  It  was  incleed  (to  use  a  poet's  aliiislon)  poured  forth  as  a  liba- 
tion from  the  cup  of  Achilles,  consecrated  and  appropriated  : 

OtiTS  Ttu  a-TTtvaia-Ki  &SUV,  ots  /an  All  YlecTDt,  (h) 
It  is  proposed,  in  its  degree  and  according  to  its  subject,  for  the  defence 
of  truth,  and  wiih  an  honest  wish  to  uphold  society  and  the  best  interests 
of  mankind,  but  chiefly  those  of  our  own  country.  In  it  there  are  no 
imaginary  subjects.  I  have  raised  no  phantoms  of  absurdity  merely  to 
disperse  them ;  but  the  words,  the  works,  the  sentiments,  and  often  the 
actions  of  the  authors  are  before  us.  It  might  be  known  hereafter  from 
this  poem  how  we  wrote  and  thought  in  this  age,  and  not  unfrequently 
how. we  conducted  ourselves. 

There  is  one  subject*  which  I  have  pressed  upon  the  attention  of  the 
nation,  Avhich  in  this  respect  seems  to  be  in  a  state  between  slumber  and 

*'  ttri  o/i  Kdi  T/jv  IIoAiv  ut'  eiVTC'Jv  «^o-oasAovTSj,  s|  iKiiva  di  Sifiivot  Nof^ov,  aiiXltg 
"  uvcit  CTpsSTJffls?  TXj  li^iccg,  7rXr,v  it  f^Yi  raXxrixog  rrxXiv  iTTiXOoi  OoASjCtos. 
"  E^/jAg  di  Koii  TO'j  ^o-nov  oivTOJ))  n  ri  Tlxpx,(rx.i'jyi.  Mv^ixoe?  yasp  iv  OTrXot?  ku.<x, 
"  Toijcivvcii  VufAoitoJV  'tSTi  Tporepov  «Te  v^ri^ov  yivia-Scn  Xiyovrxt,"  Plut.  Vit. 
Marcel,  p.  244,  Vol.  2,  edit.  Bryan. — The  other  illustration  is  from 
Cicero  in  his  oration  for  Fonteius ;  (the  object  of  which  was  to  Inculcate, 
"  Gallis  fidem  non  habendam,  hominlbus  levibus,  perfidis,  et  in  ipsos 
*'  Deos  immortales  impiis.")  The  words  are  these:  "  Ut  oportet, 5b £.z.o 
"  Galltco,  ut  majorum  jura  moresque  prxscrlbunt,  Nemo  est,  Civis 
"  Romanus,  qui  sibi  uUa  excusatione  utendum  putet."  Orat.  pro  Fonteio. 
Sect.  16,  sub.  fin.  Cic.  Op.  ed.  Barbou,  vol.4,  p.  393. — We  have  not, 
and  I  trust  we  never  shall  ha';e,  the  same  cause  for  apprehension  from  the 
French  as  the  Romans  had  from  the  Gauls.  They  never  have  taken  our 
CITY,  and  while  we  are  true  to  ourselves,  as  we  now  are,  I  trust  they 
never  will  or  can  take  it.  But  the  danger  is  and  ever  will  be  great,  from 
their  vicinity,  ^tct  tvi  yinvtuffiv.  The  words  are  from  Plutarch:  Mr. 
Burke  has  written  the  commentary.t  "  Vocem  adyti  dignam  templol" 
(July  1767.) 

h     Horn.  II.  6.  V.  227. 

*  See  Dial.  3.  written  in  May,  1796. 

t  Two  Letters  on  the  Peace.     (Ed.  Rivington  1796.)  page  113,  Sec. 


[      222      ] 

alarm;  in  the  suppineness  which  attends  tlie  former,  and  with  that  confu- 
sion in  ideas  and  measures,  which  too  frequently  accompanies  terror, 
compassion,  mercy,  self-preservation,  integrity  of  principle,  Christian 
charity,  the  uncertainty  of  the  mortal  condition,  the  convulsion  of  empires 
and  of  states,  have  all  and  each  variously  conspired  to  direct  the  measures 
of  our  government  with  respect  to  the  French  Roman  Catholic  Emigrants, 
and  in  particular,  to  the  French  Priests.  I  have  stated  in  different  places 
my  opinion  on  this  important  subject.  I  continue  to  call  aloud  upon  this 
country  and  its  ministers  to  regard,  ivith  minute  circumspection^  these 
MEN  AND  THEIR  CAUSE,  (hh)  The  most  reprehensible  part  of  Mr. 
Burke's  public  conduct  has  been  in  this  point.  Great  and  venerable  as  I 
hold  him,  in  this  I  praise  him  not.  I  maintain  that  the  vigilance  of  th.e 
Roman  Catholics  is  erect  and  on  the  tiptoe  of  expectation :  it  is  scarcely 
suspended  by  slumber.  I  speak  also  on  another  account.  There  is  such 
a  connection  between  superstition  and  atheism,  and  their  allies  cruelty  and 
tyranny,  that  the  wisest  and  most  experienced  statsmen  and  moralists  have 
declared  it  to  be  indissoluble.  In  their  cause,  they  would  unite  with  any, 
even  with  Jacobin,  principles.  Hear  Dr.  Hussey  the  titular  Bishop  of 
Waterford  in  Ireland  in  his  late  pastoral  Letter,  (i)     "The  Catholic 

hh     July  1797. 

i  See  "  A  Pastoral  Letter  to  the  Catholic  Clergy  of  Waterford 
and  Lismore  in  Ireland,  by  the  R.  R.  Doctor  Hussey."  London,  Re- 
printed  by  P.  Coghlan,  Duke  Street,  Grosvenor  square.  (1797.)  His 
titular  Lordship's  idea  of  "  a  man  of  true  liberality  is  this ;  "  that  he  lives 
in  charity,  in  concord,  in  amity,  with  all  others  of  every  religious  persua- 
sion; with  Avhom  a  difference  in  religious  ©pinions  makes  no  difference 
in  social  life.  Sec.  &c."  (p.  6.)  Very  liberal  indeed ;  this  is  the  text. 
But  his  Lordship,  in  the  natural  confusion  of  ideas  in  his  country  has 
prejiy:ed  the  comment.  See  the  preceding  page.  The  words  are  these : 
"  Remonstrate  (says  his  Lordship)  with  any  parent,  svho  will  be  so 
"  criminal  as  to  expose  his  offspring  to  those  places  of  education  (the 
"  Charter  Schools,  &;c.  Sec.  as  I  suppose)  where  his  religious  faith  and  mor- 
"  als  are  likely  to  be  perverted.  If  he  ivill  7iot  attend  to  your  remonstran- 
"  ces,(he  is  speaking  tothe  Roman  Catholic  Clergy)  refuse  him  the  partici- 
^'pation  of  Christ's  body;  ijht  should  still conUnue  obsiinatc,  BKiiovjicz 


I 


[      223      ] 

"  FAITH  (i.  e.  the  tenets,  the  doctrines,  the  superstitions,  the  -absurdities, 
"  the  follies,  the  cruelty,  and  the  tyranny,  of  the  Church  of  Kome,  and 

"  HIM  TO  THE  Church,  in  order  that,  according  to  Christ's  command- 
"  nient,  he  be  considered  as  a  heathen  and  a  piibUcan,"  p.  5.  We  know 
the  sense  of  Christ;  and  Ave  know  the  sense  rjhich  fi)e  Roman  Catholic 
Church  annexes  to  these  words.  But  this  is  Liberality  II! — Hear 
his  titular  Lordship  once  more.  Speaking  of  the  total  repeal  of  the 
Popery  laws  in  Ireland,  he  warns  those  who  ofipose  it  in  these  terms, 
page  10.  "•  The  vast  rock  is  already  detached  from  the  mountain's  brow, 
"  and  wbcever  OPPOSE.S  its  descent  and  removal,  must  be  CRUSHEnbyhis 
"  own  rash  endeavours."  Is  the  common  sense  of  England  and  Ireland 
drunk?  Or  if  it  has  slept,  will  it  not  now  awake  ?  Can  any  man  say, 
that  the  political  spirit  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Religion  is  extinct,  that 
it  is  dead,  that  it  is  dying?  This  titular  bishop  warns  us  plainly  enough. 
He  has  rocks  and  mountains  at  command,  and  the  powers  of  nature 
in  their  gigantic  admeasurements  appear  at  his  great  bidding.  In  Ireland 
it  might  be  of  use  to  discuss  this  pastoral  Letter  in  toto.  If  I  were  aji 
Irishman,  I  would  do  so ;  but  the  business  in  England  is  yet  very  dilFer- 
«nt.  Let  me  add  a  word  or  two.  It  may  be  worth  while  at  this  period 
when  all  establishments  are  shaking,  to  consider  frequently,  that  "  a  Rell- 
"  gious  Establishment,  under  any  form,  is  not  the  religion  itself,  but  the 
"  mode  of  preserving,  inculcating,  and  continuing  the  religion."  There 
is  a  religion  which  may  be  and  is  political,  and  another  ^vhich  is  real.  I 
will  give  a  passage  from  the  admiral  Preface  to  the  translation  of  Xeno- 
phon's  Cyropiedia  written  with  great  compass  of  thought  and  precision  of 
argument,  by  a  gentleman  of  fortune,  family,  erudition  and  virtue,  the 
Honourable  Maurice  Ashlet.  I  cannot  refrain  from  observing  with 
pleasure,  that  Lord  Malmsbury  and  myself  may  have  a  natural  parti- 
ality for  the  memory  of  that  accomplished  and  well-instructed  gentleman. 
*'  Real  Christianity  (says  he)  is  none  of  these  changeable  establishments 
"  and  human  institutions,  nor  ever  can  be,  but  stands  upon  its  ov/n  foot. 
"  Whether  it  be  the  religion  of  the  multitude,  and  national  or  not 
"  national,  or  whatever  be  the  forms  of  it  in  national  establishments,  it  is 
"  one  and  the  same  in  itself,  firm  and  unalterable,  and  will  undoubtedly 
"  remain  so  to  the  end  of  the  world,  whether  owned  or  not  owned  by  any 


[      224      ] 

"  wliatever  makes  it  to  differ  from  any  otlier  external  establislinient  of 
"•  Christianity)  Tbc  Catholic  faith  (says  \\h  titular  Lordsliip)  is  suitable  to 
*'  all  climes,  and  all  forms  of  government,  monarchies  or  republics^  aristo- 
'"  cracies,  or  democraciks."  (p.  9.)  Right.  Does  his  Lordship  speak 
intelligibly  ?  That  which  is  true  of  Christianity  in  itself  and  by  itself 
alone,  independent  of  any  establishment  whatsoever,  that  they  assert  of 
their  own  tyrannical  superstition.  They  will  shew  the  arm,  and  the 
sword,  of  heaven  interested  and  active  for  them.  They  Avill  tell  you 
(whenever  they  have  the  power  or  even  the  probability  of  attaining  that 
power)  that  their  cause  alone  is  from  above.  They  separate  their  spiritual 
rulers  from  the  temporal  governors  of  the  state,  and  assert  the  superior 
dignity  and  paramount  authority  of  the  former;  and  th/is  they  thunder 
in  tlie  ears  of  an  armed  soldiery.  They  tell  you,  that  the  opposers  of 
the  R.oman  Catholic  cause  are  sacrilegious  in  the  eye  of  heaven ;  and  that 
upon  them,  in  a  mass,  the  great  stone  will  fall  and  grind  them  to 
powder.     I  know  the  state  of  Ireland,*  and  the  declarations  of  the  titular 

"  public  establishment  indifferently."      Mr.  A's  Pref.  page  8.      I  enter 
I       not  into  the  expedience,  institution  and  and  relative  excellence  of  religious 
establishments  in  this  place.     It  is  not  here  the  question;   if  it  were,  I 
am  not  without  my  sentiments  or  without  words  to  enforce  them.    I  hope 
I       indeed  we  may,  and  shall,  still  justify  the  expressions  of  a  great  writer: 
;       "  We  are  separated  from  the  errors,  and  freed  from  the  chains  of  Poperv, 
'•'•  without  breaking  out  into  a  state  of  religious  anarchy."      But  I  give 
Mr.  Ashley's  words  as  a  general  observation  to  all  those  who  esteem  the 
/  downfall  of  such  an  establishment  as  Popery  to  be  the  downfall  of  the 

/  Christian  religion  than  which  no  opinion  can  be  more  unfounded.     To 

the  Roman  Catholic  system  of  religion,  whether  in  its  vigour  and  pleni- 
tude of  power,  or  in  its  decline,  or  in  its  struggles  for  revival,  the  words 
of  the  poet  may  be  applied  figuratively  and  literally: 
/  In  sua  templa  furlt,  nulluquc  exire  vetante 

I  Materia,  magnamque  cadens  magnamque  revertens 

I  Dat  stragem  late'  sparsosque  rkcollicit  icjxks. 

Lucan,  L.  i. 
*  There  is  something  peculiarly  ungrateful  in  tlie  conduct  of  this  titu- 
lar Bishop  of  Waterford.     Particular  attention  has  been  paid  to  Dr.  Hiis- 


[      225      ] 

bishops  in  that  country.  But  that  subject  is  not  properly  mine,  though  it 
ii  intimately  connected  with  it.  All  I  have  to  do  is  to  shew,  (and  I  think  I 
have  shewn  it  to  all  who  will  attend,)  that  "  the  Spirit  of  the  Roman 
"  Catholic  System  is  yet  unaltered."  In  England  the  French  Priests,  in  a 
body,  have  been  chased  from  the  King's  Castle  at  Winchester:  but  our 
government  has  yet  a  sacred  fortress  or  two  at  Reading,  and  Shene,  and 
in  Yorkshire:  and  it  appears  that  a  sum  of  Five  Hundred  and  Forty 
Thousand  Pounds  (b)  has  been  issued  for  the  use  of  the  French  Emi- 

sey  by  the  administration  of  Ireland,  as  Lord  Camden  knows.  But  in  this 
country  I  should  hardly  be  understood  if  I  were  to  enumerate  the  particu- 
lars nvhicb  I  know.  I  have  spoken  in  terms  very  moda'ate  indeed  of  this 
Pastoral  Letter,  under  the  circumstances  of  its  publication.  My  repre 
hension  has  been  confined  to  the  spirit  of  it.  It  will  be  perceived  by  som^ 
persons  that  I  write  llvmaKri. 

Talibus  ex  adyto  dictis  Cum^a  Sibylla 
Horrendas  canit  ambages,  antroque  remugit 
Obscuris  vera  invohens  ! 

h  On  the  21st  of  December,  1796,  "The  House  of  Commons  in  a 
"  Committee  of  supply,  among  other  sums,  voted  a  sum  of  540,000!.  for  the 
"  relief  of  the  suffering  clergy  and  laity  of  France."  Woodfall's  Parlia- 
mentary Register.  (1796.)  Vol.  i.  page  524.  It  is  singular  (and  it  will 
be  remembered  by  those  who  are  versed  in  the  interior  politics  of  this 
country  in  the  reign  of  Qii^een  Anne)  that  in  Swift's  Examiner,  Nov. 
1 710,  No.  16,  the  exact  sum  of  540,000!.  is  stated  humorously,  as  "  a 
"  Bill  of  British  ingratitude,"  to  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Marlborough,  viz. 
"  Woodstock,  40, oool.  Blenheim,  2oo,oool.  Post  Office  grant,  ioo,oool. 
"  Mildenheim,  30,000!.  Pictures,  jewels,  &c.  5o, oool.  Pall  Mall  grant, 
"  &c.  io,oool.  Employments,  Sec.  I oo,oool.  The  total  eccacf/y  540,000!." 
Thus  at  the  beginning  of  this  century  did  the  British  nation  remunerate 
I'HE  CONQUEROR  OF  FRANCE  !  Andthus,  at  the  close  of  it,  are  the  Services 
of  the  French  Emigrants,  sacred  and  profane  ^  requited  by  the  munificence 
of  the  British  Parliament  !!!  We  know  where  it  is  written  in  letters  of 
marble ; 

EuROPiE  H^c  Vindex  Genio  decora  alta  Britann©'! 

Ff 


[     220      ] 

grants,  sacred  and  profane .^  in  the.  courfe  of  the  year  1796.  This  is  rati- 
fied by  the  vote  of  Parliament.  On  this  particular  topic  I  shall  say  noth- 
ing furtlier  in  this  place,  but  all  which  I  have  Vvritten  on  this  great 
subject  is  in  the  spirit  of  mercy,  humanity,  tolerance,  and  true  Christi- 
Jinity,  consistent  with  the  principles  of  an  English  Protestant,  and  that 
rational  and  guarded  love  to  my  Country  which  I  am  bound,  according  to 
my  ability,  to  warn,  to  vindicate,  and  to  defend. 

The  subjects  of  this  poem  have  been  from  necessity  various  and  nume- 
rous, far  beyond  my  original  conception.  But  a  mighty  and  majestic 
river,  in  its  course  through  a  diversity'  of  countries,  not  only  winds  and 
murmurs  in  the  vallies,  but  contends  and  foams  among  rocks,  and  precipi- 
ces, and  the  confluence  of  torrents.  Still  its  tendency  is  to  the  ocean,  to 
which  it  pays  its  last  tribute,  and  is  finally  lost  in  that  immensity.  In 
Literature  the  mind  resembles  such  a  course.  All  its  exertions  may  be 
turned  into  one  grand  and  general  direction.  The  mind,  if  well  regulated, 
remembers  from  whence  it  came,  and  feels  that  all  its  powers  and  facul- 
ties are  but  ministerial.  I  think  it  is  somewhere  sxpressed  in  the  concise 
sublimity  of  Plato,  ITpef  t«  «i'5«ov  tSAeTref.  Under  the  influence  and 
persuasion  of  this  great  and  master  principal,  the  mind  so  prepared, 
whether  serious,  or  gay,  or  thoughtful,  or  sprightly,  or  even  fantastic  in 
its  humour,  is  still  performing  its  proper  office.  Philosophy  and  criticism 
cannot  reach  some  subjects,  which  sap  the  foundation  and  support  of  well- 
being.  Playfulness,  ridicule,  wit,  and  humour,  are  the  auxiliaries  and 
light-armed  forces  of  truth,  and  their  power,  in  detachments,  is  equally 
felt  with  the  main  strength  of  the  body. 

There  is  one  description  and  set  of  men,  to  whom  more  than  common 
reprehension  is  due,  and  who  cannot  be  held  up  too  frequently  to  the 
public  scorn  and  abhorrence.  I  mean  the  modern  philosophers  of  the 
French  system.  Mr.  Burke  has  thundered  upon  them,  and  his  lightning- 
shone  through  their  darkest  recesses.  "  The  sudden  blaze  far  round 
illumined  Hell."  This  monstrous  compound  of  the  vanity  and 
weakness  of  the  intellect,  and  the  fury  of  the  passions  in  some 
of  them,  this  "  faclnus  majoris  abolisc,"  should  be  exposed  with 
the  full  strength  of  argument  and  of  reason,  and  with  occasional 
ridicule,  to  the  English  nation  in  every  point  of  view.  In  other 
philosophers  of    this  system,    there  is    a    calmness  and   composure    in 


[      227      ] 

their  mental  operation,  more  savage  than  the  violence  of  the  former.     / 
Their  subject  is  the  living  man.      Before  them  he  is  delivered,  bound    ' 
liand  and  toot.      On  him  their  experiments  are  to  be  tried;  and  when  his    I 
whole  composition,  moral  and  political,  is  either  racked,  or  disjointed, 
or  the  minuter  parts  of  it  laid  bare  to  the  eye,  and  the  very  circulation  of 
the  fluids,  as  it  were,  shewn  in  the  ag<onizing  subject;  this  they  savag^ely 
call,  studying  and  improving  human  nature  by  the  new  light.     But  I  will 
not  proceed  on  this  subject.     Great  and  venerabk  is  the  name  and  influ- 
ence of  the  true  philosophy.     The  word  may  be  disgraced  for  a  season, 
but  the  love  of  wisdom,  must  always  command  respect.    When  we  compare 
these  modern  philosophers  who  }-eject  all  revelation,  vvith  the  philosophers 
of  antiquity,  and  in  particular  those  of  the  Stoic  sect,  who  were  ignorant 
of  it,  the  difference,  to  say  no  more,  is  indeed  striking.    What  were  Socra- 
tes, and  Plato,  and  Epictetus,  and  Cicero,  and  Antoninus!     Before  such 
lights,  shining  in  the  darkness  and  gloom  of  the  heathen  firmament. 

Conditur  omne 
Ste'llarum  vulgus,  fiigiunt  sine  nomine  Signa    (d) 

As  I  am  speaking  of  Philosophy,  I  may  be  excused  if  I  say  a  few 
words  of  that  language,  in  "which  its  power  has  been  most  conspicuous.  I 
see  no  more  pedantry  in  the  knowledge  and  study  o^the  Greek  tongue, 
than  of  the  French  or  the  German.  But  when  I  consider  that  every 
subject  in  philosophy,  in  history,  in  oratory,  and  in  poetry,  whatever  can 
dignify  or  embellish  human  society  in  its  most  cultivated  state,  has  there 
found  the  highest  authors:  that  the  principles  of  composition  are  better 
taught  and  more  fully  exemplified  than  in  any  other  language  ;  that  the 
Greek  writers  are  the  universal  legislators  in  taste,  criticism,  and  just 
composition,  from  whom  there  is  no  appeal,  and  who  will  be  found  unerring- 
directors;  I  would  with  a  peculiar  emphasis  and  earnestness  request 
young  men  of  fortune,  ability,  and  polished  education,  not  to  cast  off  the 
study  of  the  Greek  writers,  when  they  leave  school,  or  the  university.  • 
A  few  hours  devoted  to  this  study  in  every  week  will  preserve  and  im-  I 
prove  their  knowledge.  It  will  animate  the  whole  mass  of  their  learning, 
will  give  colour  to  their  thoughts  and  precision  to  their  expressions. 
There  is  no  necessity  either  to  quote  or  to  speak  Greek  ;  but  the  constant 
d     Manil.  Astron.  T..  i.v.  ^-o. 


C     228      ] 

perusal  of  the  historians,  philosophers,  orators,  and  poets  will  be  felt  and 
perceived.  In  parliament  and  at  the  bar  it  would  be  most  conspicuous,  (a) 
They  who  are  wrse  will  secretly  attend  to  this  recommendation,  which 
must  be  disinterested,  and  proceeds  from  long  experience. 

In  regard  to  the  manner  and  the  plan  of  this  Poem  on  the  P.  of  L. 
I  have  something  to  say,  but  my  respect  to  the  reader  prevents  me  from 
saying  much.  It  aspires  not  to  the  manner  or  the  praise  of  the  Dunci  ad, 
or  to  any  thing  whatsoever  in  common  with  that  great  performance.  The 
original  motive  of  it  however,  in  my  opinion,  is  as  far  superior  in  impoi'- 
tance  and  dignity,  as  the  power  and  ability  of  the  author  fall  short  of  that 
poetical  excellence  ,whlch  none  hereafter  can  hope  to  rival  or  perliaps 
to  attain.  Its  general  subject  is  LifERAfURE  however  exerted,  whether 
for  the  benefit,  or  for  the  injury  of  mankind.  It  has  nothing  of  tlie  mock 
epic.  It  is  a  dialogue ;  has  something  of  a  dramatic  cast,  and  is  an  ex- 
cursus. The  subjects  follow  each  other  and  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  they 
are  neither  confounded  nor  confused.  If  there  be  in  the  whole  composi- 
tion any  passage,  any  sentence,  or  any  expression,  which  according  to 
the  specific  nature  of  the  subject,  can  justly  offend  even  female  delicacy : 
which,  from  the  inanner  of  it,  a  gentleman  would  refuse  to  write,  or  a 
man  of  virtue  to  admit  into  his  thoughts:  which  violates  the  high,  and 
discriminating,  and  honourable,  and  directing  principles  of  human  conduct, 
it  is  to  me  matter  of  serious  and  of  solemn  regret.  I  am  not  conscious  of 
having  admitted  any  such  passage,  or  sentence,  or  expression.     I  have 

a  Piutaich  describes  the  first  Marcellus,  (the  first  of  that  distin- 
guished race)  as  a  Avarior  of  experience  and  intrepidity,  humane  and 
polished  in  his  manners,  and  a  great  lover  of  the  Greek  literature ; 
the  words  are  these :  "  Ti?  jttev  if^Trtipioi  TrdXifuxof,  tji  (pvtru  (piXo-roMfAo^'  tu 
'*  St  xXXi)  rDO-ra  c-iii>.pf{uv,  tpiXctviprnTro^,  EXXTivmyii  'rxiaitctg  KXt  Xoyiay,  ct^pi 
"  Ts*  rtfiZv  XXI  Sxvfix^iiv  THi  xxTo^Suvru?,  ipxa-rrii."  Plut.  Vit.  Marcel), 
p.  242,  vol.  2,  Ed.  Bryan. — As  we  have  now  so  many  gentlemen  of  for- 
tune, family,  education,  and  ability  among  the  officers  of  the  army  and 
the  militia,  I  wish  they  may  read  this  note,  and  be  induced  to  employ 
some  of  their  vacant  hours  in  valuable  studies;  and,  like  the  great  chiefs 
among  the  ancients,  resume  and  vindicate  the  honour  of  learned  military 
leisure. 


A 


[      229      ] 

never  yet  heard  such  an  objection  to  my  work.     If  it  can  be  pointed  out, 
I  will  erase  it  with  much  concern  and  with  great  indignation. 

I  should  also  give  a  few  words  to  the  manner  of  the  notes  which  I  have 
annexed,  and  which  are  so  frequent  and  so  copious.  I  wish  not,  as  Boi- 
leau  expresses  it,  to  prepare  tortures  for  any  future  Sat'masius,  (f)  and  I  too 
well  know  my  own  insignificance  to  expect  any  comment  on  my  writings, 
but  from  my  own  pen.  I  have  made  no  allusions  which  I  did  not  mean 
to  explain.  But  I  had  something  further  in  my  intention.  The  notes 
are  not  always  merely  explanatory ;  they  are  (if  I  have  been  able  to  exe- 
cute my  intention)  of  a  structure  rather  peculiar  to  themselves.  Many 
of  them  are  of  a  nature  between  an  essay  and  an  explanatory  comment. 
There  is  much  matter  in  a  little  compass,  suited  to  the  exigency  of  the 
times.  As  they  take  no  particular  form  of  composition,  they  are  not 
matter  of  criticism  in  that  particular  respect.  I  expatiated  on  the  casual 
subject  which  presented  itself;  and  when  ancient  or  modern  writers  ex- 
pressed the  thoughts  better  than  I  could  myself,  I  have  given  the  original 
languages.  No  man  has  a  greater  contempt  for  the  parade  of  quotation 
(as  such)  than  I  have.  My  design  is  not  to  quote  words,  but  to  enforce 
right  sentiments  in  the  manner  which  I  think  best  adapted  to  the  pur- 
pose, after  much  reflection.  To  most  of  my  readers  those  languages  are 
familiar;  and  if  any  person,  not  particularly  conversant  in  them,  should 
honour  the  notes  with  a  perusal,  I  think  the  force  of  the  observations  may 
be  felt  without  attending  to  the  Greek  or  Latin.  In  all  regular  composi- 
tions I  particularly  dislike  a  mixture  of  languages.  It  is  uncouth  or  inele- 
gant, and  sometimes  marks  a  want  of  power  in  the  writer.  In  works  of 
any  dignity  or  consequence,  it  is  adviseable,  if  a  passage  from  any  ancient 
author  is  quoted,  to  translate  that  passage  in  the  text,  and  put  the  origi- 
nal at  the  bottom  of  the  page,  if  necessar}-.  We  have  in  this  respect  the 
authorit)'  and  example  of  Cicero,  Bishop  Hurd,  and  Sir  William  Jones.       . 

In  general,  I  could  say  all  I  wished  in  the  text  and  comment.  Some  ) 
subjects  are  indeed  so  important,  that  they  should  be  held  forth  to  public  \ 
light,  and  viewed  in  every  point.  Satire,  in  this  respect,  has  peculiar  i 
force.     Vice  is  not  unfrequently  repressed,  and  folly,  presumptuous  igno-      i 

f     "  Aux  Saumaises  fiiturs  preparer  des  tortures."  I 

Boil.  Sat.  9.  V.  64.        I 


C     230     ] 

ranee,  and  conceit  sometimes  yield  or  vanish  at  the  first  attack,  and  like 
the  fabled  spirits  before  the  spell  of  the  enchanter, 

Prima  vel  voce  Canentis 
Concedunt,  cakmenque  timent  audire  secundum,  g 

I  again  declare  to  the  public,  that  neither  my  name.,  nor  my  situation 
in  life  iviU  ever  be  revealed.  Conjectures  are  free  and  open  to  the  world. 
Every  one  is  at  liberty  to  fancy  cases,  and  make  wliatever  comparisons  he 
thinks  proper.  But  suppositions  will  never  amount  to  facts,  nor  wild 
conjectures  have  the  force  of  argument.  I  pretend  not  to  be  "  the  sole 
"  depository  of  my  ov,'n  secret;"  but  where  it  is  confided,  there  it  will  be 
preserved  and  locked  up  forever.  1  have  an  honourable  confidence  in  the 
human  character,  when  properly  educated  and  rightly  instructed.  My 
secret  will  forever  be  preserved,  I  know,  under  every  change  of  fortune 
or  of  political  tenets,  while  honour,  and  virtue,  and  religion,  and  friend- 
ly affection,  and  erudition,  and  the  principles  of  a  gentleman,  have  bind- 
ing force  and  authority  upon  minds  so  cultivated  and  so  dignified. 

My  Poem  and  all  and  each  of  the  notes  to  it  were  written  without 
any  co-operation  whatsoever.  1  expect  the  fullest  assent  and  credit  to 
this  my  solemn  assertion.  I  expect  it,  because  I  speak  the  truth.  I  have 
not  been  assisted  by  any  Doctors  in  any  faculty.  If  indeed  I  had  written 
to  please  a  particular  man,  a  minister,  a  chief  in  opposition,  a  party,  any 
set,  or  any  description  of  men  exclusively,  literary  or  political,  there  is  not 
a  man  of  understanding  in  the  country  who  does  not  perceive  that  I 
should,  or  rather  that  I  must,  have  written  in  another  style,  thought  and 
argument.  Of  such  motives  I  profess  myself  nor  skilled  nor  studious. 
My  appeal  is  direct  to  my  country.  I  know  and  feel  the  situation  in 
which  at  this  moment  she  stands.  There  is  now  no  balance  left  in 
Europe.  All  is  preparing  to  sink  under  One  desolating  Tyranny. 
My  opinion  hov/ever  is,  that  by  the  mercy  of  Providence,  and  by  the 
unremitted  attention  and  labours  of  our  constitutional  statesmen,  and  tlie 
united  efforts  of  all  that  are  loyal,  brave,  opulent,  powerful,  or  dignified, 
we  may  yet  "  be  able  to  stand  in  this  evil  day,  and  having  done  all 
"  TO  STAND."  Let  us  stand  therefore,  as  the  chosen  nation  of  old,  the 
insulated  memorial  of  true  Religion,  and  the  only  asylum  of  balanced 
g     iAican,  L.  6.  V.  527. 


[      231      3 

Liberty.  I  profess  myself  convinced,  and  therefore  have  I  written.  I 
entered  into  the  sanctuaiy  of  the  Hebrews  und  beard  the  voice  of  their 
prophet:  "  Credidi,  propter  quod  locutus  sum:"  This  was  the  voice  which 
I  hfard,  and  it  was  a  voice,  as  Milton  would  express  it,  '•  thundering  out 
"  of  Sion."  Under  this  persuasion  and  conviction,  1  will  say  of  this 
work,  there  is  in  it  but  one  hand,  and  one  intention.  It  will  be  idle  to 
conjecture  concerning  the  author,  and  more  than  foolish  to  be  very  inqui- 
sitive. To  my  adversaries  I  have  nothing  to  reply.  I  never  will  reply. 
I  could  with  the  most  perfect  charity  sing  a  requiem  over  their  deceased 
criticisms,  if  I  were  master  of  what  Statius  calls  the  "  Exequiale  sacrum, 
"  carmenque  minoribus  iimbris  utile."  (h)  Those  whom  I  wished  to 
please,  I  have  pleased.  If  I  have  diffused  any  light,  it  hfrom  a  s'.ngle 
orb,  whether  temperate  in  the  horizon,  or  blazing  in  the  meridian.  If  I 
culminate  at  all,  it  is  from  the  Equator. 

Thus  much  to  silly  curiosity  and  frivolous  garrulity.  But  to  persons 
of  higher  minds,  and  of  more  exalted  and  more  generous  principles,  who 
have  the  spirit  to  understand,  and  the  patience  to  consider,  the  nature 
and  the  labour  of  my  work,  I  would  address  myself  In  other  language, 
and  with  other  arguments,  I  would  declare  to  thein,  that  when  I  con- 
sider the  variety  and  importance  and  extent  of  the  subjects,  I  might  say 
that  it  was  written,  "  though  for  no  other  cause,  yet  for  this,  that  pos- 
"  terity  may  know",  that  we  have  not  loosely  through  silence  permitted 
"  things  to  pass  away  as  in  a  dream."  I  would  declare  also  to  thim,  that 
I  deliver  it  as  a  literary  manifesto  to  this  kingdom  in  a  season 
unpropitious  to  learning  or  to  poetry,  in  a  day  of  darkness  and  of  thick 
gloominess,  and  in  an  hour  of  turbulence,  of  terror,  and  of  uncertainty. 
Such  persons  will  be  satisfied,  if  the  great  cause  of  mankind,  of  regulated 
society,  of  religion,  of  government,  and  of  good  manners,  is  attempted  to 
be  maintained  with  strength  and  with  the  application  of  learning.  To 
them  it  is  a  matter  of  vp'--  little,  or  rather  of  no  moment  at  all  by  whom 
it  is  effected.  They  have  scarce  a  transitory  question  to  make  on  the 
subject.  To  such  understandings  I  Avillingly  submit  my  composition. 
and  to  them  I  dedicate  the  T^ork. 

h     Stat.  Theb.  L.  6.  v.  12:^. 


[      232      ] 

I  shall  only  add,  that  //"they  should  read  all  the  Parts  of  this  Poem 
on  the  Pursuits  of  Literature  with  candour  and  with  attention,  whatever 
the  connection  between  them,  or  whatever  the  method  may  be,  they  will 
most  assuredly  find  "  that  uniformity  of  thought  and  design,  which  will 
"  always  be  found  in  the  writings  of  the  same  person,  jvhen  he  writes 
"  n'irii  siMFLicirr  and  in  earnest." 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE 


DIALOGUE  THE  FOURTH* 


AUTHOR. 


Oh,  for  that  sabbath's  dawn  ere  Britain  wept, 
And  France  before  the  Cross  beUev'd  and  slept! 
(Rest  to  the  state,  and  skimber  to  the  soul !) 
Ere  yet  the  brooding  storm  was  heard  to  roll 
In  fancy's  ear  o'er  many  an  Alpine  rock, 
Or  Europe  trembled  at  the  fated  shock ; 
Ere  by  his  lake  Geneva's  angel  stood, 
And  wav'd  his  scroll  prophetic  ""  o'er  the  flood, 

*  First  printed  in  July  1797.  t  Lycophron.  CassanJ.   v.  t, 

a  It  is  remarkable  that  m  Sivitzerland  appeared  the  three  per- 
sons, whose  principles,  doctrines,  and  practice,  fas  it  seems  to  me  J  have 
primarily  and  ultinutelv  effected  the  great  change  and  downfall  of  regal  and 


C      234       ] 

With  names  (as  yet  unheard)  and  symbols  drear, 
Calvin  in  front,  and  Neckar  in  the  rear;  10 

of  all  lawful  po%ver  in  Eiircpe.  Calvin,  in  religion ;  Rousseau,  in  politics  ; 
and  Neckar  by  his  administration.  Calvin  and  his  disciples  were  never 
friends  to  monarchy  and  episcopacy;  but  I  shall  notbere  contend  politi- 
cally or  theologically  with  Bishop  Horsley  concerninjj  Calvin.  A  poet's 
words  arc  better  for  a  poet.  I  have  looked  into  history  and,  as  I  think, 
have  found  them  true.  Dryden  speaks  of  Calvin  thus,  and  remarkably 
enough ; 

*'  The  last  of  all  the  Utter  scap'd  by  chance, 

"  And  from  Geneva  first  infested  Frakce.'" 

Hind  and  Panther.  B.  i.  v.  172. 
RovssEAV^  (I  speak  of  liim  only  as  a  political  writer)  by  the  unjustifiable, 
arbitrary,  and  cruel  proceedings  against  him,  his  writings  and  his  person, 
in  France,  (where  he  was  a  stranger  and  to  whose  tribunals  he  was  not 
amenable)  was  stimulated  to  pursue  his  researches  into  the  origin  and  ex- 
pedience of  sucb  government,  and  0I  such  oppression,  which,  otherwise, 
he  probably  never  would  have  discussed;  till  he  reasoned  himself  into 
the  desperate  doctrine  of  political  equality,  and  gave  to  the  world  his  fatal 
present,  "  The  Social  Contract."  Of  this  work  the  French,  since  the  Re- 
volution, have  never  once  lost  sight.  With  them  it  is  first  and  last,  and 
midst,  and  without  end  in  all  their  thoughts  and  public  actions.  Rous- 
seau is,  I  believe,  the  only  man  to  whom  they  have  paid  an  implicit  and 
undeviating  reverence;  and,  without  a  figure,  have  worshipped  in  the 
Pantheon  of  tlicir  new  idolatry,  like  another  Chemos,  "  the  obsceiie  dread 
"  of  Gallia's  sons." — Different  from  these,  came  I^eckar,  With  inten- 
tions, as  I  am  still  inclined  to  think,  upriglit,  pure  and  just,  but  with  a 
mind  impotent  and  unequal  to  the  great  work,  and  with  principles  foreign 
to  the  nature  of  the  government  he  was  called  to  regulate,  reform  and 
conduct;  a  fatal  stranger  for  France.  He  oppressed  c\ery  subject  sacred 
and  civil  with  too  much  verbiage.  He  was  sanctioned  by  popular  rre- 
judice,  and  marked  by  aristocratical  hatred;  a  sort  of  '■'■  Arpinas  Volsco- 
"  rtnn  a  mo7itc."     Pie  came  to  lav  open  and  disclose  (and  he  did  lay  them 


[      235      ] 

But  chief  Equality's  vain  priest,  Rousseau, 
A  sage  in  sorrow  nurs'd,  and  gaunt  with  woe. 


open  to  the  very  bottom)  the  mystery  and  iniquity  of  French  finance  and 
of  French  treasuries.  But  he  brought  v/ith  him  to  the  concerns  of  a  great 
and  tottering  empire,  (which  perhaps  might  Iiave  been  maintained  and 
funsolidated)  the  little  mind  of  a  provincial  banker,  and  tlie  vanity  in- 
separable from  human  nature,  when  elevated  beyond  hope  or  expectation. 
What  was  the  consequence?  For  a  while  indeed, 

Hie  Ciinbros  et  summa  pericula  rerum 
Excipit,  et  SOLUS  trepidantem /iro^e^/t  Urbem.* 

But  the  original  leaven  in  his  political  composition  was  popular ;  and  that 
leavened  the  whole  lump.  We  know  the  rest.  His  advice,  first  in  the 
calling  together  (at  all)  of  the  States  General,  and  afterwards  in  the  for- 
mation and  distribution  of  them,  gave  the  devoted  King  to  the  scaffold, 
and  the  monarchy  of  France  to  irreversible  dissolution.  I  speak  this 
independently  of  the  grand  conspiracy  against  Christianity,  regal  power, 
and  social  order,  which  has  been  so  awfully  and  so  convincingly  disclosed 
by  the  eloquent  Abbe  Barruelf,  and  Professor  Robison;  since  1  first  wrote 
the  preceding  reflections. ...For  my  own  part  when  I  contemplate  the  con- 
vulsions of  Europe,  and  the  fatal  desolation  which  attends  republican  prin- 
ciples, wherever  they  are  introduced,  I  cannot  but  rest  with  a  momentary 
pleasure  on  the  picture,  which  Plato,  in  his  imaginary  republic,  (the  only 
one  I  ever  could  bear)  has  drawn  of  a  man  fatigued  with  the  view  of  pub- 
lic affairs,  and  retiring  from  them  in  the  hope  of  tranquility.  The  sen- 
timents are  such  as  the  French  formerly  would  have  called,  "  Les 
"  Delassemens  de  I'bomme  sensible."  The  words  are  these: 
"  TciVTX  TtctvTX   XoynTf/.a  Xxtoiv,   yn^v^ixv  i')co^')  y.cti  ret  «vt»  TpacTTs^i',   yiov  iv 

*  Juv.  Sat.  8.  v.  249. 

t  See  Memoires  pour  servir  a  I'Histoire  du  Jacobinisme,  par  Mr. 
L'Abbe  Barruel:  and  ''Proofs  of  a  Conspiracy  against  all  the  Religions  and 
"  Governments  in  Europe,  in  the  secret  Meetings  of  Free  Masons,  lllu- 
''  Eiinati,  he.  Sec."  by  Professor  Robison  of  Edinburgh.     (1797O 


[     236     ] 

By  persecution  train'd  and  popish  zeal, 
Ripe  with  his  wrongs  to  frame  the  dire  ^  appeal, 
What  time  bis  work  the  Citizen  began, 
And  gave  to  France  the  social  savage,  Man. 

Was  it  for  this,  in  Leo's  fost'ring  reign 
Learning  uprose  with  tempests  in  her  train ; 
Was  every  gleam  deceitful,  every  ray 
But  idle  splendor  from  the  orb  of  day?  20 

Say,  were  the  victims  mark'd  from  earliest  time, 
The  Flamens  conscious  of  a  nation's  crime  ? 
Why  smoak'd  the  altars  Avith  the  new  perfume, 
If  heav'n's  own  fire  descends  but  to  consume? 
Alas,  proud  Gallia's  fabric  to  the  ground 
What  arm  shall  level,  or  what  might  confound! 

Oh  for  that  hand,  which  o'er  the  walls  of  Troy  '^ 
His  lightning  brandish'd  witb  a  furious  joy, 


"  TJf?  eiXXni  xxTccTTif^Ti-Xei/iiiyiii  ccvof^icci,  ccyt^-Tvot  it  vyt  ecvTog  xxSctp»i  ecotx-ttti 
"  T8  x«<  eivo<rtct)v  ifyuv,  T«v  T£  ii^et^i  Zitti  ZiUiTirai,  Kcii  7Yi'j  a.7rxX\xynv  »vth 
"  fiirx  x-xMi  JA7r<3o5  iM&ii  rt  kxi  iv/^tvyii  x^rxXXx^trxi." 

Plato  de  Repub.  L.  6.  p.  496,  Op.  vol.  2.  Ed,  Serrani. 

b     "  Le  Contiat  Social,  par  J.  J.  Rousseau,  Citoyen  de  Geneve. 

c.  It  certainly  would  be  convenient  (if  we  can  for  a  moment  trifle  with 
such  a  subject  as  the  present  French  war)  to  march  to  Paris,  '■'and  like 
''  anotl-''r  ( Bryont)  Jire  another  Troy.''     See  "  a  Dissertation  concerning 


[     257      ] 

Her  state,  her  arms,  her  fleets,   her  very  name 
Gave,  as  in  mock'ry,  to  poetic  fame,  30 


"  tlie  War  of  Troy,  and  the  Expedition  of  the  Grecians,  as  described  by 
"  Homer;  shewing,  that  no  such  expedition  was  undertaken,  and  that 
'*  no  such  city  of  Phrygia  existed."  Published  in  1796,  but  there  is  no 
date  to  the  title  page.  I  find  it  difficult  to  give  an  opinion  on  this  inge- 
nious treatise.  Whatever  comes  from  the  author  of  "  The  Analysis  of 
*'  ancient  Mythology,"  should  be  treated  with  very  great  respect.  His 
character  is*  venerable,  and  his  erudition,  as  1  think,  without  an  equal.  Of 
all  subjects,  I  should  have  thought  this  subject  was  one,  on  which  an  inqui- 
ry might  have  been  instituted  without  offence.  Yet  this  has  not  been  the 
case.  The  offence  has  been  considered  as  deep  and  wide,  and  the  influence 
of  the  principle,  in  some  respects,  dangerous  and  alarming.  The  faith  of 
history  has  been  represented  as  attacked  in  its  strongest  fortress,  and  even 
the  sacred  writings,  as  matter  of  historical  faith,  implicated  in  the  discus- 
sion. Some  persons  have  even  declared  that  Mr.  Bryant  had  no  right  to 
touch  the  subject.  That  nothing  can  be  more  contrary  to  reason  than, 
to  suppose,  that  the  existence  of  a  city,  and  a  war,  of  which  we  have  read 
•with  delight  from  our  boyish  days,  could  be  called  in  question.  That 
their  pleasure  is  snatched  from  them ;  and  such  a  poem,  without  an  histo- 
rical fact  for  a  basis,  cannot  be  interesting.  They  allow  the  amplification 
of  poetry,  and  its  embellishments,  and  even  the  anachronisms  of  Homer. 
But  Troy  did  exist,  and  the  Grecians  did  once  besiege  it,  and  Hector, 
Achilles,  Agamemnon,  and  Diomede  were  as  real  heroes,  as  the  Archduke 
Charles,  Buonaparte,  Lord  Cornwallis,  or  Tippoo  Salb  in  modem  wars. 
I  really  should  smile  at  many  of  these  objections,  if  they  did  not  fre- 
quently come  from  persons  of  consequence  and  of  learning.  Most  cer- 
tainly however  I  will  quarrel  with  no  man  "  about  Sir  Archey's  great 
"  Grandmother."   They  who  are  acquainted  v/ith  the  science  and  subject 

*  See  Mr.  Bryant's  character  delineated  in  the  Pur-.ults  of  Literature, 
Dialogue  2,  v.  i8g,  Sec. 


[      238      ] 

And  with  the  fire  of  Philip's  son,  unfurl'd 
His  classic  standard  o'er  a  wond'ring  world, 


o^ probabilities  wiil  best  decide  the  question  for  themselves,  and  I  will  not 
intrude  x\\y  judgment.  It  is  a  question  of  probability,  and  not  of  proof. 
For  my  own  part,  I  am  equally  pleased  with  a  poem  founded  on  the  meta- 
morphosis of  Apuleius  or  on  any  modern  fiction,  if  all  th.e  essential  and 
integral  parts  of  a  poem  are  preserved ;  if  the  characters,  manners,  and 
actions  are  human,  and  consistent  with  the  supposed  situations  of  the  per- 
sonages. This  to  me  is  sufficient;  and  perhaps  poetry,  as  such,  may  be  a 
gainer  by  Mr.  Bryant's  interpretation.  I  rather  hail  the  omen  in  these 
times  of  poetical  sterility.  But  nothing  can  be  further  from  the  dignity 
of  Mr.  Bryant's  character,  than  the  imputation  of  having  attacked  the 
faith  and  credibility  of  ancient,  or  of  any,  history.  It  is  scarcely  entitled 
to  notice.  What  Avas  Troy?  with  what  part  of  history  is  it  connected? 
Is  not  the  Trojan  war  an  insulated  solitary  fact?  If  it  were  done  away, 
is  any  historical  event  whatever  made  to  fall  with  it?  When  it  is  stated 
that  your  hundred  and  thirty  ships  (no  matter  of  what  size)  were  employed 
by  the  Grecians  in  the  Trojan  war  in  the  twelfth  century,  and  only  eighty. 
■nine  in  the  Peloponnesian  war  in  the  fifth  century  before  Christ,  is  this 
matter  of  serious  history?  Is  not  the  whole  allowed  to  pass  even  the  bounds 
of  any  probability,  but  that  of  a  poet?  I  remember  hearing  a  gentleman 
state  similar  questions  to  these  with  much  earnestness  and  apparent  con- 
viction, but  without  warmth.  He  seemed  to  understand  something  of 
the  subject ;  and  though  I  conceived  some  points  were  pressed  indiscreetly 
and  unnecessarily  by  Mr.  Bryant,  I  replied  that  I  thought  nearly  as  he 
did,  and  I  said  with  the  most  good-natured  Etto;^*)  of  the  Academics, 
"  Almost  thou  persuadest  me  to  be  a  Bryaiitia7u"....l  think  they  who  are 
the  strongest  in  opposition  to  Mr.  Bryant,  if  they  were  even  Inquisitors,* 

*  I  am  sure  Gilbert  Wakefield  is  even  more  than  an  Inquisitor  in  all  his 
principles  literary,  civil,  and  religious.  See  his  indecent  ktter  to  Mr. 
Bryant  on  the  war  of  'i'roy.  But  above  all,  see  his  letter  to  Mr.  WUber- 
force.     The  Secretary  to  the  Duke  of  Alva  under  Philip  II.  or  the  public 


I 
1 


,        C      239      3 

Till  "  Homer's  sprite  did  tremble  all  for  grief, 
"  And  curs'd  th'  access  of  that  celestial  thief."  '^ 
Oh,  for  a  Bryant's  hand! 

OCTAVIUS. 

Methinks  you  smile. 
And  fain  would  land  me  on  the  wand'ring  isle, 
Where  the  learn'd  drain  Acrasia's  foaming  bowl, 
Till  round  the  sun  their  heads  with  Gebelin's  ^  roll ; 


and  could  force  him  to  hold  a  lighted  torch  in  his  hand,  and  make  a 
retraction  of  his  errors,  and  the  amende  honorable  in  the  Eglise  ds  notre 
Dame  de  Ctbele  3Iere  de  tons  les  Dieiix  Pa'iens,  would  be  contented 
"with  the  Catholic  form  of  v.'ords;  "  Questi  crano  gli  scherzi  d'una  penna 
poetica,  non  gli  sentimcnti  d'un  animo  catolicol"  Yet  considering  all 
that  I  have  heard,  and  tbe  quarter  from  which  it  came,  Curias  quid  sentit, 
et  AMBo  Sc.'piadx,  and  the  insignificance  of  the  question  itself,  but  as  a 
matter  of  amusement ;  though  in  common  with  many  otliers,  I  should  have 
lost  much  individual  gratification  and  instruction,  yet  I  wish  this  Disser- 
tion  on  the  war  of  Troy  bad  never  been  nvriiten  at  all. 

d  Two  lines  from  Sir  Walter  Raleigh's  Sonnet,  prefixed  to  Spenser':; 
Fairy  Queen. 

e  Gebelin. — If  many  persons  in  the  learned  world  have  thought  Mr. 
Bryant  unadvised  in  the.  discussion  of  the  war  of  Troy  in  the  twelfth 
century  A.  C.  what  must  we  say  to  Mr.  Court  de  Gebelin,  who  has  actually 
endeavoured  to  reason  us  into  a  belief,  that,  tbe  /Founders  of  tbe  Roman 

Accuser  of  the  Revolutionary  Tribunal,  under  Roberspierre,  never  exhibi- 
ted such  a  paper.  There  is  no  deceit  i?i  Gilbert  Wakefeld:  He  is  just 
vbat  be  seems.     It  is  plain  to  see  Tjbat  he  e^:pects,  and  wZy  he  writes. 


[      240      ]         .      ' 

Nor  heed  the  pause  of  ^  Douglas,  Wakefield's  rage, 
Nor  Hallam  strembUng  for  the  sacred  page,        40 


State  Romulus  <:/2if  Remus,  were  only  allegorical  personages,  and  were 
in  reality  representatives  of  the  sun  and  worshiped  as  such.  Mr.  Gebelin 
is  a  man  of  the  most  various  erudition,  and  if  he  were  as  well  known  as 
Mr.  Bryant,  his  attempt  would  have  been  noticed.  But  few  people 
perhaps  have  had  the  curiosity  to  look  Into  nine  volumes  In  4to  of  the 
"  Monde  Primitif  analyse  et  compare  avec  le  Monde  Moderne  par  M. 
"  Court  de  Gebelin."  It  may  be  entertaining  to  some  persons,  if  I  give  a 
few  particulars  of  this  singular  question.  The  Fourth  volume  of  Mr. 
Gebelin's  work  consists  of  the  "  Histoire  Religleux  du  Calendtier,  ou  des 
Fetes  Anclennes."  Thcjifth  Chapter  of  the  .second  Book  (Vol.  4)  Is  the 
"  Histoire  des  Gemeaux  Romains  Romulus  et  Remus."  Mr.  G.  say^. 
"  Les  Romains,  eurent  aussl  leurs  Allegories  sur  le  double  Soleil  successif 
"  de  I'annee;  lis  I'appliqucrent  a  leur  Remus  et  Romulus.  Les  noms  sont 
*'  allegoriques,  et  tous  relatifs  a  I'annee."  p.  264.  Remus  it  seems,  signified 
THE  SUN  in  the  ivi7iter,  and  Romulus  in  the  summer!  By  an  ec^  proof, 
he  says,  "  lis  en  firent  la  fete  des  Lemuvcs  pour  /icmures,  Ecc.  p.  263. 
In  the  sixth  chapter  of  the  same  book,  we  read:  Nous  avons  vu  dans  le 
chapitre  precedent,  que  Romulus  etoit  le  soleil;  que  tout  le  prouvoit. 
— And  what  is  the  proof?  Truly  this ;  "  Le  nom  de  sa  mere,  celui  de 
son  pere,  son  frere,  la  mert  de  son  frere  C Remus, J  son  propre  nom.  Sec.  Sec. 
Q^E.  D. — Mr.  Gebelin  has  not  yet  done,  nor  is  Mr.  Gebelin  yet  satis- 
fled.  He  next  converts,  by  means  of  his  solar  microscope,  Romulus  into 
Hercules!  But  hear  his  words.  "  Ce  qu'exprlmoient  a  cet  egard  les 
"  Grecs  par  I'Apotheose  d'Hercule,  les  Romains  I'exprimerent  par  I'Apo- 
*'  theose  de  Romulus."  But  when  he  speaks  of  ^liri-nus,  another  name 
of  Romulus,  the  force  of  art  and  of /(/-oo/ can  go  no  further.  Hear  him 
again.  "  ^liriniis  (nom  de  Romulus)  la  traduction  literals  de  Melcarthej 
*'  on  Melicertc,  que  portoit  Hercule  chez  les  Tyriens,  ESi"  une  autre 
"  PREUVE,  qu'on  regardoit  Romulus  comme  le  Soleil."  p.  aGglll!!! — 
I  cannot  help  observing  that  in  this  same  4th  vol.  p.  422,  Mr.  Gebclia 
informs  us  that,  ''  Sur  Ic  18  Fe\Tier  on  cc'lebroit  la  Fete  de  Romulus,  and 


C      241      ] 

Nor  Gillies  ^  crying^  what  shall  we  peruse  ? 
What  is  my  work?  mere  records  of  the  Muse; 
And  lo!  by  Buonaparte's  iron  pen, ' 
The  tale  of  Rome  may  be  Troy's  tale  again. 

AUTHOR. 

No;  other  thoughts  my  lab'ring  soul  employ, 
That  springs  anew  to  long-forgotten  joy; 


"  at  '..he  same  time,  (rather  inauspiciously  to  be  sure)  on  celebroit  i.a 
"  FEfE  DES  Foux."  I  suppose  OD  the  celebration  o^  la  Fete  des  Foux, 
cards  of  invitation  were  sent  round  by  the  Pontifex  Maximus  to  the  Anti- 
quaries of  those  days,  and  I  really  think,  if  Mr.  Gebelin  had  been  pro- 
duced zt  that  time,  he  would  not  have  been  ivithout  his  card,  with  a  few 
others,  to  be  distributed  among  his  friends. — Indeed  these  delirameiita 
doctrine  are  sometimes  amusing,  but  in  reality  they  are  rather  a  subject 
of  serious  regret  from  their  consequences  on  the  public  mind.  There  is 
no  end  to  the  absurdities  from  this  source,  when  we  resolve  all  ancient 
persons  and  events  into  allegories  and  Egyptian  mysteries;  till  as  we  have 
just  seen,  Romulus  and  Remus,  the  Founders  ef  the  Roman  Empire, 
become  (according  to  Monsieur  Gebelin's  Order  of  Firing,  after  a  grand 
Escopetterie,  or  volley,  of  Serpents  and  Stars  J  transformed  into  Roman 
Suns;  Remus  in  the  Winter,  and  Romulus  in  the  Summer! — See  the 
proofs  above. 

f  The  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  John  Douglas,  the  present  Bishop  of  Salisbury, 
(1797*)  Author  of  the  Criterion,  and  of  other  acute  pieces  of  reasoning, 
which  will  be  long  remembered  and  admired. 

g     Dr.  Hallam,  the  present  Dean  of  Bristol.    (1797.) 

h     Author  of  a  History  of  Greece. 

i  The  tremendous  conquests  of  Buonaparte  in  Italy  and  in  Germany 
remind  us  too  much  of  the  words  of  the  Roman  Historian,  "  i"/  C  aptivos 

Hh 


[      242      ] 

I  range  in  Fancy's  consecrated  round, 
And  meet  the  poet  on  a  poet's  ground, 
Nor  seek  historic  truth  of  time  and  place, 
But  truth  of  manners,  character  and  grace.         50 
The  Bards  who  once  the  wreaths  of  glory  wore, 
Cloth'd  in  translucent  veil  their  wondrous  lore : 
The  tales  they  sung  a  willing  age  believ'd, 
Charm'd  into  truth,  and  without  guile  deceiv'd. 
Where'er  they  rov'd,  young  Fancy  and  the  Muse 
Wav'd  high  their  mirror  of  a  thousand  hues; 
They  gaz'd;  and  as  in  varying  guise  pourtray'd 
Aereal  phantoms  hov'ring  round  them  play'd. 
Gave  to  each  fleeting  form,  that  shot  along. 
Existence  everlasting  as  their  song;  60 

And  as  by  nature's  strength  the  tablet  grew, 
Rapture  the  pencil  guided  as  they  drew. 

OCTAVIUS. 

Nay,  now  you  soar  indeed;  another  flight, 

And  the  wing'd  courser  bears  you  from  my  sight: 

You're  strangely  mov'd. 

o.y/)/cere5,  Molossi,  Tliessali,  Macedones  Bruuliis,  Apulius;   si  pobipas, 
Hurnm,  purpura,  signs,  tahiila-,  Tarentinxque  dcl'.cix."  Flor.  Lib.  i.C.  i8. 

(I707-) 


[     243     ] 
AUTHOR. 

The  matter  is  my  own ; 
I  never  shar'd  the  profits  of  the  gown, 
Nor  yet,  with  Horace  and  myself  at  war, 
For  rhyme  and  victuals  ^'  left  the  starving  Bar ; 
I  never  lov'd  Dean  Dewlap's  vacant  looks, 
Or  purchas'd  empty  praise  from  empty  books ;     70 
I  leave  at  sales  the  undisputed  reign 
To  milk-white '  Cosset,  and  Lord  ^  Spencer's  train. 


h  This  was  lately  done  by  William  Boscawen,  Esquire,  an  Etonian, 
first  a  Barrister  at  Law,  now  a  Commissioner  of  the  Victualling  Office,  and 
(by  an  easy  transition)  Translator  of  Horace.  Negates  artifex  sequi 
voces.  (Pers.  Prol.)  In  this  revision  of  my  work,  I  have  no  more  space 
to  allot  to  Mr.  Boscawen  or  his  rhymes.  It  is  the  fate  of  some  men  to 
describe  the  history  of  an  art,  without  making  any  progress  in  it  them- 
selves, to  write  verses  without  inspiration,  and  satirical  poems  without 
satire.   But  what  said  Boileau? 

"  Attaquer  Chapelain?  ahl  c'est  un  si  bon  homme : 

"  II  est  vrai,  s'il  m'eut  cru,  qu'il  n'eut  point  fait  des  vers. 

"  //  se  tue  a  rimer.     Que  n'ccrit  il  en  prose? 

"  *  Voila  ce  que  I'on  dit.     Et  que  dis  je  autre  chose? 

i  Not  a  bookseller  of  reputation  in  London,  Payne,  Edwards,  White, 
Kobson,  Egerton,  Faulder,  Sec.  Sec.  is    unacquainted  with  Dr.  Cosset's 

"  milk--cvbite  vellum  books,"  when  he  wishes  to  make  an  exchange.  The 
Reverend  little  Bibliopolish  Dr.  Cosset  is  President  at  all  Book-sales  in  the 
metropolis,  and  he  certainly  is  a  good  scholar.     I  believe  the  auctioneer 

*  Boileau  Sat.  9. 


[      244      ] 

No  German  nonsense  sways  my  English  heart, 
Unus'd  at  ghosts  andratthng  bones  to  start: 
I  never  cho&e,  in  various  nature  strong, 
Logic  for  verse,  or  history  for  song; 
But  at  the  magic  of  Torquato's  strain, 
Disarm'd  and  captive  in  Armida's  chain, 


always  waits  for  his  entrance,  as  the  Speaker  of  the  H.  of  C»  waits  for 
Mr.  Pitt,  before  public  business  begins.  He  is  Inquisitor  General  of  all 
editions,  from  the  Editio  Princeps  of  the  Florence  Homer,  down  to  the 
last  edition  of  Ignoramus.  Doctor  Gosset's  priced  catalogues  in  his  own 
hand  are  said  to  be  in  an  uninterrupted  series,  except  one.  They  are  also 
said  to  be  equal  in  use  and  value  to  "  The  curious  collection,  in  regular 
"  and  undoubted  succession  of  all  the  Tickets  of  the  Islington  Turnpike 
"  from  its  first  institution  to  the  20th  of  May  inclusive,"  recorded  among 
the  presents  made  to  the  Antiquarian  Society,  when  Sir  Matthew  Mite 
was  admitted  Fellow.  (Foote's  Nabob,  Act  2.)  I  believe  (but  see  the 
Society's  Archxlogia  for  the  record)  that  it  took  place  before  the  Rever 
end  Mr.  Brand  was  the  reading  Secretary,  or  the  Earl  of  Leicester  the 
eloquent  President  of  the  Society  of  Antiquaries.  N.  B. 
No  person  is  now  obliged  to  make  an  inauguration  speech,  when  he  is 
admitted  Fellow  of  the  Antiquarian  Society.  The  noble  President 
observed  in  one  of  his  speeches,  that  the  custom  ceased  and  determined  at 
Sir  Matthew  Mite's  election,  as  appeared  by  the  record.,  copied  by  Mr. 
Foote  and  inserted  in  his  Nabob. —  Ego  si  risi,  lividus  et  mordax  videar  ? 
The  little  Doctor,  I  think  will  be  the  first  to  smile  himself.  He  should 
know  the  value  of  time,  and  is  an  ingenious,  learned,  sensible,  and  cheer- 
ful man. 

k  The  Riglit  Honourable  Earl  Spencer,  the  munificent,  and  I  may 
add,  the  Jc-arned,  sensible,  and  very  intelligent  collector  of  cveiy  valuable 
work  in  literature.  I  record  with  pleasure  his  "  Palatine  Apollo,''  that 
'.nunus  Apolline  dignum  ! 


[      245      ] 

To  Godfrey's  pomp  Rinaldo  still  prefer, 
Nor  care  if  ranting  Wakefield  ^^  thinks  I  err.       80 
To  Hurd,  not  ^  Parr,  my  Muse  submits  her  lays, 
Pleas'd  with  advice,  without  a  lust  for  praise, 
Fond  to  correct,  but  never  to  defend. 
And  him  who  marks  her  errors,  deems  her  friend ; 
With  patriot  aim  and  no  irreverent  rage. 
Without  one  stain  of  party  on  the  page, 
FromGrecian  springs  her  strength,her  arts  she  draws, 
Firm  in  her  trust,   ennobled  in  her  cause  ; 
Her  moral  none,  the  verse  some  few  disdain. 
Yet  not  a  note  she  sounds  shall  sound  in  vain,   90 
While  Bryant  ""  in  applause  with  Baker  "  joins, 
Gifford  °  approves,  and  Storer  p  loves  the  lines: 


kk  Gilbert  Wakefield. — We  give  up  (but  with  great  reluctance) 
Virgil,  Horace,  and  Lucretius  to  his  torturing  hours,  but  we  will  not  give 
up  the  Constitution  of  England,  sacred  or  civil.  "  Criticus  adsuetus 
*'  urere,  secare,  inclementer  omnis  generis  libros  tractare,  apices,  syllabas, 
"  voces,  dictiones  confodere,  et  stylo  exigere,  non  continebit  iste  ab 
*'  integro  (Republics  nostra)  statu  crudeles  ungues?"  Sec.  &c.  Orat, 
Petri  Burmanni  Lugd.  Bat.     (1720.) 

1  See  my  account  of  Dr.  Parr's  style  and  writings.  P.  of  L.  Dia- 
logue III.  Sec.  with  the  notes.  When  the  reader  has  considered  ths 
whole,  perhaps  he  may  be  inclined  to  say  with  the  comic  poet  of  Athens, 

nT<A6»  T«  uiy»  KOMnOAAKY0OY  Trss-sv ! 

Aristoph.  Acharn.  Sub  fin. 


[     246      ] 

Though  still,  a  stranger  in  the  sacred  clime. 
Some  say,  I  love  not  poetry,  but  rhyme. 

Offspring  of  other  times,  ye  visions  old! 
Legends,  no  more  by  gentle  hands  unroU'd, 
Magnanimous  deceits  !  where  favour 'd  youth 
Finds  short  repose  from  formidable  truth ! 
Oh  witness  if,  e'er  silent  in  your  praise, 
I've  pass'd  in  vice  or  sloth  inglorious  days,  100 

But  rais'd  for  you  my  firm  unalter'd  voice, 
Fancy  my  guide,  and  solitude  my  choice. 

Though  now  no  Syren  voice  be  heard,  no  strain 
Ascend  from  Pindus,  "^  or  Arcadia's  plain ; 


m  Jacob  Bryant,  Esq.  Author  of  the  Analysis  of  Ancient  Mytho- 
logy, Sec.  Sec.  Sec.  See  his  character  in  the  Second  Dialogue  of  the  P.  of 
L.  to  which  I  refer. 

n  Sir  George  Baker,  Bart.  Physician  to  the  King,  a  Gentleman  of 
deep  and  extensive  classical  knowledge.  His  compositions  are  written  in 
the  purest  Latinity,  luorthy  of  an  Etonian.  His  situation  in  life  sufficiently 
declares  his  professional  talents. 

o     William  GiiFord,  Esq.  Author  of  the  Baviad  and  the  Mxviad. 

p  Anthony  Storer,  Esq.  a  Gentleman  of  fortune  and  fashion,  talents 
and  accomplishments.  He  was  educated  at  Eton  and  Cambridge.  His 
attainments  in  literature  are  various  and  considerable;  and  few  men  have 
a  nicer  skill  in  the  principles  of  just  and  legitimate  composition  than  Mr. 
Storer.  He  has  read  Quintilian  with  effect^  (Mr.  Storer  will  under- 
stand me  perfectly)  and  he  has  drawn  his  knowledge  and  judgment  from 
the  best  writers,  and  critics  of  antiquity  and  of  modern  times. 


[      247      ] 

No  Graces  round  th'  Olympian  throne  of  Jove 

Bid  the  nine  virgins  raise  the  chaunt  of  love. 

The  harp  of  Taliessin  "■  lies  unstrung, 

Close  by  the  loom,  where  Death's  dread  sisters  sung; 

Unfelt  each  charm  of  Odin's  magic  tree, 

With  many  an  uncouth  Runic  ^  phantasy,  110 

The  symbol  deep,  and  consecrated  rhyme, 

Trac'd  with  due  reverence  in  the  northern  clime. 

Though  now  no  temper'd  lance,  no  magic  brand, 

No  Durindana '  waves  o'er  fabled  land; 

No  nightly-rounding  Ariel  floats  unseen, 

Or  Jiames  amazement  o'G.r  the  desert  green; 


q  I  mean  by  these  and  several  following  lines  to  observe,  that  the 
Pagan  Fable  is  now  exhausted,  and  the  specious  miracles  of  Gothic  Ro- 
mance have  never  of  late  years  produced  a  poet.  Perhaps  the  latter  were 
more  adapted  to  true  poetry  than  the  pagan  inventions.  Witness  the 
sublimer  productions  of  modern  Italy. 

r  A  year  or  two  ago  proposals  were  offered  by  Mr.  Owen  to  publish 
the  works  of  the  Bard  Taliessin^  but  no  encouragement  could  be  obtained. 
Such  is  the  time. 

s  Mr.  Mathias,  (the  Author  of  the  Essay  on  the  Evidence,  See.  on 
the  long-disputed  subject  of  the  poems  ascribed  to  Rowley  in  the  15th 
century,  and  which  I  mentioned  in  a  note  to  the  First  Dialogue  of  the  P. 
of  L.)  several  years  ago  attempted  to  excite  the  curiosity  of  the  public  to 
the  remains  of  northern  antiquity,  by  a  lyrical  imitation  of  some  Runic 
fragments.     I  wish  the  example  had  been  followed. 

t     The  sword  of  Orlando. 


[      248      ] 

No  wizards  hold,  some  blasted  pine  beneath, 
Their  horrid  sabbath  on  the  darken'd  heath ; 
Say,  are  the  days  of  blest  delusion  fled? 
Must  fiction  rear  no  more  her  languid  head?   120 
No  more  the  Muse  her  long-lost  transports  know, 
Nor  trace  the  fount  whence  living  waters  flow  ? 
Awake,  ye  slumb'ring  Rulers  of  the  song ! 
Each  in  your  solemn  orders  pass  along  ; 
In  sacred  radiance  o'er  your  mountain  old 
Yet  once  again  your  dignities  unfold, 
And  fill  the  space;  your  scepter'd  glories  claim, 
And  vindicate  the  great  Pierian  name. 

OCTAVIUS. 

Are  these  a  poet's  only  themes  ?  I  fear^ 
No  verse  like  this  will  find  a  patient  ear.  1 30 

AUIIIOR. 

Hear  yet  awhile  : — the  dread  resistless  pow'r, 
That  works  deep-felt  at  inspiration's  hour, 
He  claims  alone — 


[      249      ] 
OCTAVIUS. 


Who  claims  r 


AUTHOR. 


The  favour 'd  Bard, 
Who  nobly  conscious  of  his  just  reward, 


u  I  mean  here  to  give  a  character  of  the  Poet,  as  such,  and  of  the 
sources  whence  the  art  itself  is  dra^vn.  I  would  wish  to  express  generally:^ 
what  Proclus  (in  one  of  his  dissertations  on  the  YloXinix  of  Pluto  Ed.  fol. 
Basil.  1534,  p.  430,)  would  call  with  a  sublime  dignity,  the  "  Uac-av 
*'  neiTiTticTii  t^iv  %iciXcciATr\icrcc]i,"  when  the  poet  exerts  his  highest  faculties, 
or  (in  the  language  of  Proclus  in  the  same  place)  "  Ot(«v  svdaa-ict^Mv,  x.xt 
"  rati  Mao-cta  kxtoxo;  «v,  tcxrx  THN  nPIiTHN  inpyu  KAI  EN0EON 
"  nOIHTIKHN.— A  selection  of  various  chapters  fiom  this  work  of  Pro- 
clus on  the  TloXmtx  of  Plato,  which  relate  to  poetiy,  might  be  made, 
and  published  by  some  Ingenious  scholar.  They  would  be  perfectly  new 
and  original  to  most  persons.  I  know  not  (better  Greek  scholars  than  I 
may  know)  whether  at  present  there  is  any  edition  at  all,  but  that  print- 
ed at  Basil,  in  Greek,  without  any  Latin  translation.  They  exhibit  what 
this  philosopher  of  genius  terms,  the  "  T»y  tuv  Yloi-nruv  ^xvtuv  Kiva/^svnvTi 
"  xx(  x.tvao'xv,  KXi  -TrXYipytiivyiv  xvudiv,  tcxi  ii<;  xXXx  oiX7roB&u,ivii(j'xy  Ttjy  SKuSiv 
"  iXXxfA-^tv."  (page  401  in  the  chapter  on  the  Tpsjj  i^ixi  t-,??  Uoitinx/ti') 
Philosophers  like  these,  Apollo  and  all  his  choir  were  once  supposed  to 
address  in  strains,  which  few  scholars  %vill  hear  without  delight.  They 
are  to  be  found  in  the  life  of  Plotinus,  the  Platonic,  which  was  written 
with  some  eloquence  (at  least  Politian  thought  so)  by  his  disciple  Por- 
phyrins :* 

*  Plotini  Vita.  In  limine  edit.  Oper.  Plotln.  Ficini  Basilex  MDxxn. 

I  i 


[      250      ] 

With  loftier  soul,  and  undecaying  might, 
Paints  what  he  feels  in  characters  of  light. 

rixf/,^jJvo:g  My^v.icri  ■y^^ycioy.ovixim  t'  ipuxig, 
Oiov  st'  Aicixidfi  i7rr,(7ci.i  '/,ooov  iKXnt^ctv 
A6u.vccT&»i  f,t,ot,\iiii(riy<f    aaripiiccKri  t'  ctnaxig. 
A?,Xct  '/£  Maccic-jv  (iQc;  ^caog  cc-rrvfjMfAiv., 
E<;  £v  iTtiTvuovng  oioioAi  TiutiXTcc  •7rat,<ri\';^ 
'iu.u.i  Koci  IV  uic-s-ciicriv  Eyu  'Psjooj  'oufv^xiTrii ! 

1  woiiki  also  present  the yb/Zo-iy/?!^  passage,  from  a  great  Roman  Mas- 
ter, to  every  rising  youth  of  genius  in  tliis  kingdom.  If  I  could  per- 
ceive his  countenance  brightening  as  he  reads,  and  the  powers  of  his  soul 
kindling  into  fancied  or  anticipated  emulation,  I  sliould  say  to  him,  as 
Herodotus  once  said  to  the  Father  of  Thucydides,  when  he  perceived  the 
tear  of  enthusiasm  falling  from  the  boy  at  his  recital  of  "  the  Expedition 
"  of  Xerxes  against  the  general  Liberty  of  Greece."  The  scene  was  the 
Olympic  games,  Herodotus  before  his  country,  and  Thucydides  his 
auditor.  Can  I  rouse  the  attention  yet  more?  at  such  a  moment  he 
pronounced  these  vrords:  OpyS  »)  One;?  tk  i.(s  o-a  Tr^og  f^x6r^f*xrx."\  Let 
some  future  Poet,  who  now  perceives  in  himself,  what  Statins  calls  the 
•'  eriida  Exordia    magnx  Indolis,"  hear  and  perpend. 

"  Legere  si  desideras, 
Vaces  oportetj  Eutyche,  a  negotiis, 
Ut  liber  animus  sentiat  vim  carminis. 
Ego,  quern  Pierio  mater  cnixa  est  jugo  : 
In  quo  tonanti  sancta  Mnemosyne  Jovi, 
Foecunda  novies,  artium  peperit  chorum; 
^amvis  in  ipsa  pene  natus  sim  sbcola, 
Curamque  babendi penitus  cor de  eraser im^  ,.,, 

Et  laude  invitd  in  banc  vitam  incubuerim^ 
Fastidiose  tamen  in  coetum  recipior. 
Rem  me  professum  dicet  aliquis  gravem: 

t  Mircellini  Vit.  ThucyJ.  p.  8.  Thucyd.  Edit.  Huds.  Oxon. 


C      251      ] 

He  turns:  and  instantaneous  all  around 
Cliffs  whiten,  waters  murmur,  voices  sound, 
Portentous  forms  in  heav'n's  aerial  hall 
x\ppear,  as  at  some  great  supernal  call.  140 

Thence  oft  in  thought  his  steps  ideal  ""  haste 
To  rocks  and  groves,  the  wilderness  or  waste; 


Sed  literatx  cum  sim  propior  GrKciae, 
Cur  somno  inerti  deseram  Patrix  decus?" 

I  never  read  this  transcendent  strain  of  genius,  without  feeling  even 
::)y  own  mind  filled  for  a    space,  with  all  the  fulness  of  the  Poet ; 

Neque  enim  Aonium  nemus  Advena  lustro, 
^^ec  mea  nunc  primis  albescunt  tempora  vittis.* 
X  I  speak  of  the  effect  of  local  situation  on  the  mind  of  the  poet. 
But  if  any  man  of  genius,  fancy,  and  learning,  in  the  vigour  and  noon-day 
of  his  life  and  faculties  should,  from  some  circumstances  forever  to  be 
regretted,  be  unfortunately  deprived  of  the  power  of  visiting  these  great 
and  awful  scenes  of  nature,  and  the  monuments  of  ancient  art;  an 
imaginacion  bold  and  fervid  may,  in  some  degree^  supply  that  want  by 
recourse  to  the  most  finished  representations  of  them  by  the  more  sublime 
painters  and  artists.  Stuart,  Wood,  and  Piranesi  may  raise  ideas  worthy 
of  the  Poet,  and  pour  upon  his  fancy  all  the  ancient  di^jnity  of  Athens,  of 
Palmyra,  and  of  Rome.  Alas!  these  scenes  are  closed  forever.  Non 
Ego  sum  vates,  sed  prisci  conscius  xvil — I  cannot  but  present  my  reader 
with  the  form  of  an  Oath  on  such  a  subject,  from  the  last  classical  Poet 
under  the  expiring  monarchy  of  France,  the  Famous  Delisle.  I  ani 
as  ready  on  this  subject,  as  himself  to  swear  at  the  high  alter  of  the 
Muses : 

Helas!_/V  n' a i  point  vu  ce  se'jour  enchante  ; 

Ces  beaux  lieux  ou  Virgile  a  tantde  fois  chante, 

*  Stat.  Achill.  L.  i.  v.   lo. 


C      252      ] 

To  plains,  where  Tadmor's  >'  regal  ruins  lie 
In  Desolation's  sullen  majesty; 
Or  where  Carthusian  ''  towr's  the  pilgrim  draw, 
And  bow  the  soul  w^ith  unresisted  awe, 
Whence  Bruno,  from  the  mountain's  pine-cladbrow, 
Survey'd  the  world's  inglorious  toil  below ; 
Then,  as  down  ragged  cliffs  the  torrent  roar'd. 
Prostrate  great  Nature's  present  God  ador'd    150 
And  bade,  in  solitude's  extremest  bourn, 
Religion  hallow  the  severe  sojourn. 

To  HIM  the  Painter  gives  his  pencil's  might; 
No  gloom  too  dreadful  and  no  blaze  too  bright. 
What  time  to  mortal  ken  he  dares  unveil 
The  inexpressive  fokm^  in  semblance  frail. 


Mais  j'en  jure  et  Virgile  et  ses  accords  sublimes, 
J'irai:  cle  I'Apennin  je  franchirai  les  cimes, 
j'irai,  plein  de  son  nom,  plein  de  ces  vers  sacres, 
Les  lire  aux  menies  lieux  qui  les  out  inspires. 

Les  Jardins  L.  i. 

y  ''  He  built  Tadmnr  in  the  Wilderness."  Chron.  B.  2.  ch.  8.  v.  4. 
It  is  remarkable  that  Mr.  Wood  observes,  that  the  natives,  at  this  day, 
call  Falinvya  by  the  original  appellation  of  Tadmor. 

z  The  famous  monastery,  called  "  The  Gr^mde  Chartreuse."  The 
retirement  of  Saint  Bruno. 

a  The  pictures  of  the  Supreme  Being  by  Raphael  and  Michael 
Angelo.     There  is  one  picture  of  thk  Suprkme  Being  separating  the 


C      253      3 

To  the  strain'd  view  presents  the  yawning  tomb, 
Substantial  horrors,  and  eternal  doom. 

To  HIM  the  Pow'rs  of  harmony  ^  resort, 
And  as  the  Bard,  with  high  commanding  port,   160 
Scans  all  th'  ethereal  wilderness  around, 
Pour  on  his  ear  the  thrilling  stream  of  sound; 
Strains,  from  that  full-strung  chord  at  distance  swell, 
Notes,  breathing  soft  from  music's  inmost  cell, 
While  to  their  numerous  pause,  or  accent  deep, 
His  choral  passions  dread  accordance  keep. 

Thence  musing,  lo  he  bends  his  weary  eyes 
On  life  and  all  its  sad  realities ; 
Marks  how  the  prospect  darkens  in  the  rear,   169 
Shade  blends  with  shade,  and  fear  succeeds  to  fear. 
Mid  forms  that  rise,  and  flutter  through  the  gloom, 
'Till  Death  unbar  the  cold  sepulchral  room. 

Such  is  the  Poet:  bold,  without  confine, 
Imagination's  ''^  charter' d  libertine !''  ^ 


light  from  the  darkness,  in  the  Vault  of  the  Capella  Sestina  in  Rome,  by 
Michael  Angelo  -which,  I  believe,  has  never  been  engraved.  Mr.  Fuceli, 
I  tbinkf  said  so  when  I  inquired  about  it.  I  allude  also  to  the  picture  of 
the  Last  Judgment,  by  the  same  Master. 

b     The  powers  of  Music  on  the  mind  of  the  Pcet. 

c     "  The  air,  a  chartered  libertine^  is  still."        Shakspeare,  H.  V. 


C     254      3 

He  scorns,  in  apathy,  to  float  or  dream 
On  listless  Satisfaction's  torpid  stream. 
But  dares  alone  in  vent'rous  bark  to  ride 
Down  turbulent  Delight's  tempestuous  tide; 
While  tho'ts  encount'ring  tho'ts  in  conflict  fierce 
Tumultuous  rush,  and  labour  into  verse,         180 
Then,  as  the  swelling  numbers  round  him  roll. 
Stamps  on  th'  immortal  page  the  visions  of  the  soul. 

OCTAVIUS. 

Nay,  if  you  feed  on  this  ccelestial  strain. 
You  may  with  gods  hold  converse,  not  with  men: 
Sooner  the  people's  right  shall  Horsley  ^  teach, 
In  judgment  delicate,  with  prudence  preach, 
And  o'er  his  bosom  broad  forget  to  spread 
Bath's  dangling  pride,  and  ribband  rosy-red  ;  ^ 


d  I  alluae  to  Bishop  Horsiey's  iiitcniperate  and  unadvised  speecbes  in 
Parliament.  An  injudicious  friend  is  worse  than  an  enemy.  I  believe 
Mr.  Pitt  t!:inks  so. — Inconsiderate  sentences  uttered  publicly  by  members 
of  either  House  are  very  dangerous,  and  do  much  harm.  The  dogma  is 
remembered,  and  the  comment  is  forgotten.  Bishop  Horsley  and  Mr. 
Wyndham  (both  men  of  great  natural  and  acquired  ability)  should  be 
more  attentive  in  this  particular. 

e  Bishop  Horsley  is  De?.n  cf  the  Order  of  the  Bath,  and  is  a  bold 
rival  to  the  lute  learned  knight,  Sir  Vv  illiam  Draper,  iu  making   "  that 


[      255      ] 

Friend  of  the  Church  the  pious  Grafton  ^  prove ; 
Or  Sutton  ^  cease  to  claim  the  pubUc  love,        190 
And  e'er  forego,  from  dignity  of  place, 
His  polish'd  mind  and  reconciling  grace  ; 
Or  Yorke,  ^  regardless  of  his  sacred  trust, 
To  unobtrusive  merit  be  unjust; 
Porteous,  the  royal  '  prelate,  firm  to  truth. 
Forget  the  primal  patron  of  his  youth ; 


^^  blushing  ribband  the  perpetual  ornament  of  bis  person,"  See  Junius,  in 
his  third  Letter,  and  Bishop  Horsley  every  where. 

I     See  the  Duke's  Hints. — Rather  broad. 

g  The  Right  Reverend  Charles  Manners  Sutton,  Bishop  of  Nor- 
wich. A  Prelate  whose  amiable  demeanour,  useful  learning,  and  con- 
ciliating habits  of  life,  particularly  recommend  his  episcopal  character. 
No  man  appears  to  me  so  peculiarly  marked  out  for  the  highest  dig- 
y/rr  of  the  church,  sede  vacant e,  as  Dr.  SuTToy.     July  1797. 

h  The  Right  Reverend  James  Yorke,  D.D.  Bishop  of  Ely.  The  vol- 
untarj  unsolicited  offer  of  the  Mastership  of  Jesus  College  in  Cambridge, 
to  the  Reverend  Dr.  Paley,  so  well  known  in  the  literary  and  ecclesiastical 
world,  deserves  to  be  publicly  mentioned  as  an  instance,  almost  solitary, 
of  generous  liberal  discernment  in  the  important  collation  of  academical 
dignity.  The  University  regrets  the  absence  of  Dr.  Paley,  one  of  the 
ablest  instructors  she  ever  could  boast;  and  Bishop  Yorke  must  be  record- 
ed as  one  of  "  the  friends  of  learning."  It  is  no  mean  honour  to  associate 
the  name  of  Paley  with  that  of  Yorke.  "  Et  niea,  si  quid  loquar  audien- 
"  dum,  vocis  accedet  bona  pars."  Nov.  1797. 

i  The  Right  Reverend  Beilby  Porteous,  Bishop  of  London.  See 
the  Dedication  of  his  Sermons.  I  th.ink  him  right  in  recording  his  eleva- 
tion as  the  immediate  voluntary  gift  of  ROi'AL,  and  not  of  ministerial, 
favour. 


[      256       ] 

Moore  to  his  synod  call  of  unction  full ; 

Or  Barrington  be  meek;  or  Watson  dull. 

Sooner  Stentorian  '^  Davies  cease  to  talk, 

And  for  bis  Eton  quit  his  Bond-street  walk ;    200 

Sic  gemmas  vagime  infronte  solebat 
Poueie  zelotypo  Juvenis  PRiELATUS  Htarbse  ! 

The  choice  was  approved  unanimously  by  the  country,  and  justified  by 
his  own  merits  and  conduct.  But  I  admire  still  more  Dr.  Porteous's 
affectionate,  grateful,  and  elegant  tribute  to  the  memory  of  his  venerable 
patron,  Archbishop  Secker,*  a  name  never  to  be  uttered  but  with 
reverence,  as  the  great  exemplar  of  metropolitan  strictness,  erudition, 
and  dignity. — The  union  of  such  patrons  must  forever  mark  the  charac- 
ter of  Bishop  Porteous.  (1798.) 

k  The  Rev.  Jonathan  Davies,  D.  D.  Provost  of  Eton  College;  a 
learned  pleasant,  generous,  open-hearted,  good  tempered  man,  but  In 
conversation  rather  too  much  of  a  Stentor,  who  is  declared  by  Homer  to 
have  had  a  voice  equal  to  fifty  other  men.  The  Epithets  of  Homer  are 
all  significant,  and  I  therefore  give  the  lines. 

"Znvrofi  iiffeifAivog  fAiyccXriTorii  y^oiXKit^coyu 
O?  TOffDV  xv^a-xa-x'  OSONAAAOI  HENTHKONTA. 
Mr.  Provost  has  an  invincible  partiality  for  the  charms  of  London, 
whenever  his  duty  does  not  oblige  him  to  be  at   his  Lodge.     The  reason 
is  simple.     The  air  at  Eton  now  and  then  bites  shrewdly.  Sec.  &c.  Sec. 

Extract  from  a  MS.  found  in  Long  Chamber  at  Eton ;  the  hand 
writing  conjectured  to  be  by  Dr.  Heath  the  Head  Master,  and  one  of 
the  Assistants.  It  was  found  on  one  of  Mrs.  Heath's  Ball  nights  du- 
ring Lent,  given  to  the  Lautirum  Puerio  for  the  advantage  and  credit  of 
the  School.     (Nov.  1797.) 

Vicinas  alii  Veneres,  Charitumque  choreas 
Carmine  concelebrent  nos  Veri  dogma  severum, 
Triste  sonant pulsa  nostra  testudine  chorda. 

*  See  his  Life,  just  re-published,  with  a  proper  attention  to  the  time. 


C      257      ] 
Sumner  Mrink  deep  of  the  Castalian  spring; 


Eton  School,  like  many  great  and  other  useful  public  Shools,  stands 
in  need  of  many  new  and  strong  regulations,  which  the  interests  of  this 
kingdom,  in  common  with  the  demands  of  the  time,  call  for  with  a 
voice  not  to  be  disregarded  by  the  masters  and  governors.  Perhaps  ths 
very  existence  of  the  kingdom,  in  its  present  constitution,  depends 
upon  the  undeviating  compliance  with  the  present  form  and  mode  of 
classical  (and  1  hope  of  religious)  instruction,  so  long  and  so  wisely 
established  in  our  public  schools.  If  we  desert  and  abandon  it,  the  prin- 
ciples and  strength  of  the  English  character  for  sense,  discretion, 
solid  learning,  and  siund  understanding  will  fall,  to  rise-  no  more.  We 
shall  be  destroyed,  over-run,  or  disgraced  with  National  Institutes,  French 
morality,  French  learning,  and  French  jargon,  political  and  metaphysical. 
No  illustration  can  purify  us  any  more. 

"  0<«»  »  ru  VoA>i»ii9?  ieru<rxTO  A«ip»<5«j  op7rr,^\ 
"  OIA  A''OAON  TO  MEAAePON  !    Ix«j,    os-t;?  «A<Tf sj' 
K«<  3ij  9r»  rx  Svfirpx  Kci?^i>>  7ro5<  <t>OIBOS  afxa-asi.* 

This  is  a  subject  which  should  be  considered  by  every  Father  and 
Guardian  of  young  Persons  in  this  country,  with  the  most  impressive 
seriousness.  Undoubtedly  the  expense  attending  an  education  at  any 
great  public  school,  (I  speak  not  only  r.f  Eton)  is  now  felt  in  such  a  man- 
ner, as  I  fear  it  will  be  difficult  for  Parents  long  to  supply,  or  to  continue. 
Whence  does  it  arise?  Is  there  a  remedy,  in  part?  I  think  there  is. 
To  my  certain  knowledge,  the  expenses  of  any  public  school,  as  such 
are  increased  but  in  a  small  and  in  a  verv  reasonable  proportion  to  the 
exigencies  of  the  times.  Mode,  fashion,  custom,  vanity,  and  inconsider- 
ateness  occasion  the  chief  causes  of  complaint.  Fashionable  private 
tuition  is  indeed  now  as  expensive  or  rather  more  so  in  some  cases.  I 
would  first  propose,  that  no  master  or  instructor  in  any  of  our  public 
schools,  should  be  suffered  to  keep  a  Boarding  House,  or  have  boys, 
to  board  with  him.  The  character  of  the  "  De  lodia  parandd  attoniiits 
"  Doctor,"  should  be  done  away,  and  the  custom  wholly  abolisliesl.     Ali 

*  Callim.  Hymn,  ad  Apoll. 
K  k 


[      258      ] 
Or  Longford  leave  off  preaching  to  the  Kmg; 


Boys,  of  every  description  and  rank,  should  board  at  the  general  Board- 
ing Houses  as  established,  the  expenses  of  which  are  liberal,  unvarying 
and  regulated.  From  such  an  equality  of  education  nothing  is  to  be 
•apprehended.  The  next  question  may  be  this;  Is  there  a  necessity  for 
a  Boy  to  have  a  Tutor  in  any  public  school?  Why  must  he  have  one? 
It  is  perhaps  a  source  of  unnecessary  expense  (and  sometimes  of  traffic) 
and  which  is  still  worse,  it  promotes  negligence  and  idleness  in  boys,  and 
prevents  their  reliance  on  their  own  faculties  and  indispensable  application. 
Thirdly,  I  am  confident  that  by  attention  and  superintendance  on  the  part 
of  the  parents  or  guardians,  the  expense  of  bills  might  be  considerably- 
lessened.  In  regard  to  books  in  particular.  For  Avant  of  precaution, 
there  is  often  no  limit  in  the  elegance  of  the  editions  or  of  the  binding;. 
School-books  are  never  costly.  This  is  a  single  Instance;  but  on  such  and 
similar  instances  I  cannot  condescend  to  expatiate.  I  would  be  useful; 
and  therefore  not  tedious. 

The  greatest,  most  serious,  and  most  alarming  cause  is  behind,  over 
•which  the  masters  can  have  no  control.  It  is  this.  Private  or  pocket 
money  given  with  a  heedless,  wanton,  and  inconsiderate  profusion  un- 
known in  former  times.  We  are  told  in  tlie  liberal  spirit  of  the  day,  that 
all  boys  must  be  gentlemen  ;  that  they  must  act  as  other  boys,  and  have 
no  temptation  to  be  mt:an.  Suppose  this  granted.  How  is  this  enormous 
expense  to  be  supplied?  By  the  argument,  it  is  no  part  of  the  unavoidable 
expense  of  education.  But  a  boy's  purse,  it  seems,  should  be  always  full ; 
that — That  what?  that  he  may  be  under-  no  temptation  to  be  mean.  Can 
we  be  now  ignorant  what  is  the  sense  affixed  to  meanness  by  a  modern 
pampered  boy?  Well  then:  he  has  no  temptation  to  be  mean.  But, 
from  a  full  purse,  has  he  no  temptation  to  be  M'icked?  no  temptation  to 
be  idle  and  negligent?  A  horse,  perhaps  I  may  be  told,  is  sometimes 
allowable.  Why?  thut  he  may  attend  races,  I  suppose,  or  be  in  town, 
now  and  then,  perhaps  for  a  whole  night.  His  purse  must  be  full.  Why? 
that  he  may  go  to  the  tavern,  drink  his  bottle  like  a  gentleman,  and  novr 
and  then  slink  to  the  gaming  table,  and  become  a  man  of  itonour  in  good 
time.     Liquors  are  rebellious  in  the  blood,  and  then,  as  the  purse  is  full, 


[      259      ]  ^"^ 

Or  good  Palamo7i^  """  worn  with  classic  toil, 

the  forehead  will  not  be  long  bashful.  The  means  of  weakness  and 
debility  need  not  be  ivooed;  they  are  every  where  obvious  and  obtrusive. 
Such  is  the  education  of  Boys  with  a  full  purse.  A  poet  once  spoke  of 
moderation,  -znA  government  in  expense.^  in  other  terms. 

O  nondum  cognita  Divum 

Munera !  virtutis  custos  et  arnica  pudori^ 
Luxurix  franum,  vit(Z  tutela! 

But  such  expenses,  it  may  be  said,  are  for  patrician  boys.  Are  they  then 
separated  from  the  rest?  Is  there  no  contagion  of  example?  What  are 
our  public  streets  by  day,  or  our  theatres  by  night?  The  eye  may  see, 
but  the  ear  might  distrust  the  report.  But  a  full  purse,  it  seems,  is  very 
necessary  for  a  boy,  that  be  may  not  be  mean.  Surely  this  is  contemp- 
tible sophistry. 

In  education,  and  in  the  government  of  a  state,  every  obstacle  should 
be  opposed  to  wickedness,  and  to  the  means  of  wickedness.  There  should 
be  a  double  restraint.  All  passions  submit  ultimately  (with  the  great 
majority  of  mankind)  to  the  inability  of  gratifying  them,  and  the  dis- 
position is  best  prepared  by  the  discipline  of  necessity.  In  boys  and 
ycuths  of  ingenuous  tempers,  sometimes  filial  piety,  a  regard  for  their 
nearest  relatives,  the  advantage  of  a  good  character,  and  the  pleasure  of 
a  good  conscience,  operate  with  the  better  and  more  honourable  part. 
But  human  infirmity  is  not  to  be  trusted:  it  never  yet  was  trusted  with 
security.  Laws,  regnlations,  and  strong  institutions  have  the  greatest 
power  to  enforce  good  manners,  when  the  Parents,  Guardians,  Instruc- 
tors and  Masters  co-operate  fully  in  their  several  functions.  It  must  be 
remembered,  I  am  speaking  of  the  education  of  boys,  and  not  of  con- 
firmed habits  of  expense,  of  wickedness,  or  of  depravity  in  men.  The 
wisdom  and  experience  of  those  to  whom  I  am  addressing  myself,  in  pub- 
lie  schools,  will  easily  supply  what  I  have  omitted ;  for  I  have  omitted 
much.  Every  gentleman  in  the  country  may  co-operate  in  this  important 
and  patriouc  attention,  at  such  a  period  as  the  present. 

It  is  also  not  to  be  dissembled,  (it  is  my  office  to  speak  openly  and  boldly) 
that  Boys  now  actually  divide  theraielves  into  political  parties.     There  is 


[      260      ] 

Complain  of  plants  ungrateful  to  the  soil ; 


indeed  a  general  licentiousness  of  spirit  ainong  modern  boys,  which  the 
public  good  requires  to  be  tff^ciually  and poivtrfuUy  repressed.  It  is  not 
by  false  and  s'^tziowz  liberality  that  this  evil  is  to  be  subdued.  If  masters 
and  governors  are  firm  and  Inflexible  in  their  regulations,  what  can  the 
cbildren  do?  I  laugh  at  the  idle  apprehension  of  rebellion  in  a  School. 
If  I  were  the  Head-mafter  of  Eton,  I  would  begin  by  ftiE  jibolit'ion 
OF  fHE  mosTem  immediately.  It  is  very  improper,  and  very  foolish.  There 
is  a  meanness,  and  sometimes  an  audacity,  in  this  authorised  mode  of  col- 
lecting money  on  the  highway,  which  I  wonder  jozf/;^  Gentlemen  cf  birth 
and  family  are  not  ashamed  of,  and  can  even  ivisb  to  continue.  It  is 
SOMETHING  BETWEEN  ALMS  AND  PLUNDER.  Harrow  school  has  no 
longer  its  ancient  and  dangerous  custom  of  "shooting  for  the  silver  arrow." 
I  mention  the  aboliton  of  The  mon7'em  (though  it  now  occurs  but  once 
in  three  years,)  only  as  an  introduction  to  7nany  other  salutary  and  neces- 
saiy  restrictions  in  all  public  schools.  I  have  seen  the  nature  of  a  re- 
bellion (as  it  is  called)  in  a  college  and  a  school,  and  nothing  can  be  more 
foolish  and  impotent.  If  the  Parents,  Friends,  and  Guardians  co-operate 
•with  Masters  of  Schools  and  Colleges,  what  can  children  and  young  men 
ultimately  effect,  when  it  is  considered,  by  v.'hat  laws  and  hopes  their 
future  interest  and  advancement  in  life  are  bound-in,  cabined,  and  con- 
fined? The  majority  of  such  petty  Revolutionists  and  embryo  Democrats 
are  always  restrained  in  a  short  time,  and  their  successors  never  feel  the 
absence  of  what  they  never  expected.  Let  every  Master  of  a  College 
and  a  public  School  boldly,  and  vigorously,  and  instantly  adopt  the 
words  and  spirit  of  Cicero  to  his  friend  Atticus.  "  In  qua  Ego  nactus, 
"  ut  mihi  videbar,  locum  resecand^  libidinis  et  coercend-c 
"  juvENTUTis,  vehemens  fui,  et  omnes  profudi  vires  animi  atque  ingenii 
"  mei,  non  odio  adductus  ^.Wcujns  sedspe  reipublica  corrigenda  et  sananda 
"  civitatis.  Afflicta  est  Respublica!" — Cic.  Ep.  ad  Attic.  L.  i. 
E.  i8.  I  hope  this  rote  will  be  regarded  ivitb  the  attention  it  calls  for 
from  the  public, — At  all  events,  now  and  ever;  ^^  Sahe,  magna  Parens 
^^  doctrinx,  Etonia  Tellus,  Magna  VirumJ"  (Nov.  1797.) 


[      261      ]  *? 

Or  Warren  °  in  his  well-curv'd  palm  confound 


1  The  Reverend  Humphry  Sumner,  D.  D.  lately  elected  (November 
1797)  Provost  of  King's  College  in  the  University  of  Cambridge.  So  it 
is :  Mussat  tacito  DocTrina  timore.  I  can  have  no  personal  objection 
to  a  very  worthy  and  a  very  good-natured  man,  but  public  considerations 
make  me  reflect  deeply  on  such  a  subject.  Wd  lament  the  loss  of  a  Pro- 
Tost  venerable  in  advanced  age,  dignilied  in  his  deportment,  and  of  classi- 
cal erudition,  deep,  useful,  and  extensive.  In  the  extremest  boundary  of 
human  life,  without  the  throbs  of  agony,  or  the  cold  gradations  of  dis- 
solution and  decay,  and  supported  and  sustained  by  female  filial  piety, 
(that  blessed  bounden  duty!)  he  came  as  a  shock  of  corn  to  the  ground  in 
his  season.  Such  was  William  Cooke,  D.  D.  Provost  of  King's 
College. 

But  when  1  think  on  all  the  eligible  doctors  and  learned  men,  worthy 
of  succeeding  to  the  ofHce,  who  belong  to  our  paramount  and  royal  Col- 
lege, I  must  own  the  choice  surprises  me  at  such  a  time  as  this.  I  com- 
fort myself  that  I  have  no  vote.  At  the  very  moment  when  defence  is 
more  than  ever  called  for,  it  seems  as  if  we  had  recourse  to  the  system  of 
ine^ciencji  for  public  support.  I  know  not  into  what  form  our  Univer- 
sity may  at  last  be  changed.  It  may  be  turned,  for  aught  I  can  tell, 
into  an  Academia  degli  Arcadi  e  degli  Buffi,  carlcati.  It  may  be  supported 
by  the  violation  of  every  principle  of  Academic  dignity,  and  by  an  un- 
worthy familiarity  of  learned  gowns-m»en  with  mechanics  and  shop-folks. 
It  may  become  an  appendage  to  the  Corporation  of  the  Town  of  Cam- 
bridge. Are  lue  not  elbowed  on  the  floor  of  our  own  Senate  House  by 
an  impudent,  unqualified  intrusion  of  Borough  mongering  Mercers  and 
rustling  Men-milliners?  Oxford  might  teach  us  better  lessons.  She 
knows  her  dignity,  and  preserves  it.  I  have  nothing  left  but  to  deplore 
the  change  among  ourselves.  Would  to  heaven,  I  could  avert  it.  "  Uni 
"  quippe  vacat,  studiisque  odiisque  carenti,  Nev/toni  lugere  genus  1"  Let 
the  University  of  Cambridge  however  be  converted  into  any  thing,  but  a 
seminary  for  French  principles  and  tutorial  democracy.  Let  us  consider 
a  little  to  whom  we  give  our  confidence.  Should  the  revenues  of  any 
College  be  entrusted  to  the  administration  of  the  partisans  of  democracy? 


[      262     ] 
An  atieiefif  guinea  with  a  modern  p  pound;      200 


Should  the  insigne  of  a  Chancellor's  authority  be  borne  by  a  satellite  of 
a  French  Directory  ?  I  think  not.  The  robe  of  Cxsur  was  folded  grace- 
fully, when  he  fell  in  the  Senate.  Let  us  at  least  remember  that.  I  con- 
fess it  boldly ;  my  principles  are  strong  unto  salvation :  and  if  I  had  autho- 
rity, 1  would  thoroughly  purge  the  floor.  It  may  be  done  noiv;  but 
how  long  the  power  may  be  continued  to  us,  I  fear  to  conjecture.  The 
Monasteries  were  dissolved,  when  they  became  useless.  His  Grace  of 
Grafton,  our  Chancellor,  has  indeed  given  Hints;  but  they  are  for  Dis- 
senters and  Sociniaiis ;  the  orthodoxy  of  the  High  Steward,  Mr.  Pitt, 
might  yet  support  the  establishment.  Some  Colleges  have  watched  over 
the  principles  of  the  men  proposed  for  the  tutors;  but  all  have  not  so 
watched.     Must  I  say,  as  the  Poet  did  of  Achilles? 

Stupet   Acre  primo: 
Qiix  loca?  qui  fluctus?  ubi  Pelion?  omnia  "versa, 
Aiit  ignota  tiidet;  DUBlfAr^uK  agnoscere  MAfREMl* 

I  would  not  suffer  the  Muse  of  Satire  to  descend  among  Schools  and 
Colleges,  but  upon  the  most  mature  and  the  most  weighty  deliberation. 
Perhaps  this  is  the  last  public  remonstrance  which  will  ever  be  made.  I 
would  not  scatter  my  words  lightly  in  ever}-  ear,  but  I  would  graft  them 
where  they  might  grow  and  bear.  At  this  hour  the  State  is  shaking 
through  all  her  departments.  Nothing  is  indifferent,  which  can  supply 
aliment  for  health,  or  remedies  for  a  mortal  distemperature.  The  grand 
and  chief  supporters  of  our  Country  in  the  Parliament,  the  Law,  and  the 
Church  must  proceed  from  the  Universities.  Upon  them,  primarily  and 
ultimately,  as  to  our  governors  and  legislators,  Domus  inclinata  recumbit. 
Nothing  should  be  suffered  to  diminish  or  to  sully  the  character  of  our 
Athens,  and  pollute  the  fountains  of  Ilyssus.  Li  these  retirements,  every 
science,  and  every  art,  and  every  accomplishment  which  is  good  and 
essential  to  man  in  civilized  society,  may  be  pursued  with  effect;  and  a 
solemn  account  rendered  to  the  kingdom.  Li  them,  the  Youth  of  this 
Kingdom  may  best  learn  the  foundation  of  all  knowledge ;  the  principles  of 

''  Stat.  Achill.  Lib.  j. 


[      263      ] 
Sooner  one  Prelate  hate  th'  unequal  glabs, 


evidence  in  sacied  and  human  affairs;  the  nature  of  legitimate  argument; 
the  eternal  power  of  truth  opposed  to  the  subtleties  of  sophistry ;  the  proofs 
of  revelation,  and  the  best  introduction  to  it,  the  higher  philosophy  of 
Greece  and  Rome;  the  sources  of  history;  tlie  finished  models  of  classi- 
cal literature,  and  those  alone  ;  the  principles  and  laws  of  ancient  com- 
position ;  the  abhorrence  of  conceit  and  forced  thought;  and  the  life- 
springs  of  taste  and  of  good  conduct.  Wliatever  can  bring  forth,  strength- 
en, amplify,  cultivate,  enlighten,  purify,  and  direct  the  powers  of  the 
human  mind,  within  those  limits  which  arc  prescribed  by  its  great  Crea- 
tor, and  not  beyond  them  ;  all  these,  and  if  tliere  be  any  other  praise,  or 
any  other  virtue,  which  preserves  and  continues  to  man  the  blessings  of 
lawful  government,  and  of  subjection  to  God,  the  Author  of  all  Order, 
it  should  be  there  prosecuted,  recommended,  taught,  and  enforced. 

I  call  upon  the  servants  of  the  crown,  upon  the  solemn  Council  of  the 
Nation,  upon  every  one  who  bears  legal  rule  and  legislative  authority  in 
the  kingdom,  to  hear  me,  and  to  answer  me.  Has  the  state  nothing  to 
do  with  the  Governors  and  Tutors  of  such  hallowed  and  important  retreats 
of  arts,  and  eloquence,  and  wisdom,  and  religion?  By  their  very  nature 
they  are  consecrated  to  a  high  and  holy  ministry,  to  a  strict  fealty,  and 
bounden  service  to  their  country.  Their  dignity  and  necessity  can  be  laid 
prostrate  by  themselves  alone.  If  they  are  true  to  theiv  own  cause,  if  they 
will  rouse  themselves  into  a  vindication  of  the  great,  original,  master 
principles  on  which  they  were  founded,  tl^ey  may  continue  to  be  the 
lights  of  the  kingdom.  They  will  again  be,  what  they  always  should  be. 
a  Feve?  iKXiy.rov,  a  A«e{  £<j  ;repi7r«(ii5";»i,  a  'E^a-ihitttv  U^xrivux.  The  best 
and  the  strongest  literary  bulwark  and  fortress  against  deception,  error, 
sophistry,  anarchy,  and  the  wlldness  of  political  and  religious  confusion. 
I  am  not  speaking  out  of  season,  or  without  necessity;  I  am  speakmg  in 
soberness  and  in  truth.     While  the   words  are  pasilng  from  me,  jam 

THEBiE  JUXTA   ET   TENEBROSA    VORAGC* 

I  will  extend  an  observation  or  two,  on  the  method  of  Academical 
study.    I  own,  I  never  had  a  very  great  fear  or  apprehension,  that  the 
»  Stat.  Theb.  L.  6. 


[      264      ] 
And  round  *5  his  table  let  the  Claret  pass; 


severe  and  most  indispensable  studies  of  Mathematics  and  Natural 
Philosophy  should  be  generally  carried  too  far.  Into  the  inmost  recesses 
of  any  study  few  are  permitted  to  enter.  In  Academical  educations,  the 
great  aim  and  end  should  be,  to  recommend  the  study  of  original  works 
principally,  I  think  almost  exclusively.  If  these  are  not  attended  to  at 
the  University,  they  are  seldom,  if  ever  read,  (I  am  sure  with  little  effect) 
at  a.ny  other  period  of  life.  I  am  rigid  in  this  opinion.  I  have  seen  its 
good  effects  in  men  of  eminence  who  adhered  to  it.  "  Say^  ivouldst 
"  thou  hear  it  from  our  mouths^  or  from  our  Masters?"  Avere  the 
words  of  the  weird  Sisters  ;  "  Call  them,  let  me  see  them;"  was  the 
reply  of  Macbeth.  In  this  spirit  would  I  consider  the  books  proposed 
for  the  subjects  of  public  lectures.  By  way  of  instance,  Locke,  Grotius, 
Puffendorf,  Cumberland,  and  Woollaston,  should  be  ^''"eferred  to  the 
writers  who  have  arisen  since  their  day.  1  would  object  to  Dr.  Paley's 
moral  and  political  Philosophy,  as  a  Lecture  book,  solely  upon  this  princi- 
ple ;  for  it  is  a  book  of  great  merit,  and  of  general  utility.  New  moral- 
ity, new  metaphysics,  and  new  politics  are  introduced  unaivares,  from 
the  contagion  of  the  time. 

I  would  call  the  rising  youth  of  this  country,  to  the  intense,  and  fer- 
vent, and  unremitting  study  of  the  ancient  classical  writers,  (whom  I  need 
not  name)  as  their  primary  choice.  I  call  upon  them  to  have  the  courage 
to  be  ignorant  of  many  subjects,  and  of  many  authors,  at  their  inestinia- 
b!e  age.  I  exhort  them  affectionately,  as  a  matter  of  the  most  serious 
importance,  never  to  pretend  to  study,  in  their  first  academical  years, 
what  they  desi;^-n  as  the  ultimate  end  of  their  labours,  I  mean,  their  pro- 
fession. Their  whole  business  is  to  lay  the  foundation  of  knowledge 
original,  sound,  and  strong.  In  particular,  the  study  of  the  Law,  as 
such,  should  never  be  entered  upon,  even  in  limine,  before  the  first  degree 
in  arts  is  obtained.  I'he  first  volume  indeed  of  Blackstone's  Commen- 
taries may  be  read,  in  the  same  manner  as  Robertson's  Introduction  to 
his  history  of  Charles  the  Fif'.h.  They  are  both  chef-d.'ceuvres  in  their 
kind,  and  form  a  part  of  gener;;l  knowledge.  The  specific  study  of  the 
Law  in  the  University,  at  that  early  age,  confines  and  cripples  the  facul- 


[     265      ] 
O'er  bis  true  church  the  crafty  St.  Pol  'sleep ; 


ties.  Such  a  Student  may  arrive  at  mere  knowledge,  as  a  special  pleader, 
but  lie  will  never  be  illustrious,  or  ornamental  to  his  profession.  I  wish 
to  observe  with  particular  emphasis,  that,  when  a  man  has  once  entered 
upon  any  profession  v/hatsoever,  his  education  has  in  fact  ceased.  They 
■who,  by  a  patient  continuance  and  undiverted  attention  to  academical 
studies  alone,  have  sought  for  the  original  materials  of  science  and  of 
solid  fame,  have  seldom  failed  in  their  great  pursuit. 

I  am  zealous  for  the  honour  and  the  utility  of  both  our  Univkr si- 
ties.  I  am  earnest  in  my  words  and  thoughts.  I  see  and  hear  them 
too  frequently,  and  most  unworthily,  traduced  in  writing  and  In  conver- 
sation. I  see  the  institution  ridiculed  and  sneered  at  by  the  thouglitless, 
by  the  ignorant,  and  by  the  designing.  But  it  is  a  common  cause. 
They  should  always  be  termed,  in  literary  dignity  and  with  a  prophetic 
spirit,  the  "  ^neadas  magnos  et  nobile  Pallanteum  !"  I  am  for  no  balance 
of  merit  between  them.  I  wish  to  see  no  sparkles  from  their  collision; 
but  I  would  have  them  grow  brighter  and  more  Illustrious  from  mutual 
reflection.  But  if  they  are  doomed  to  fall,  and  the  mortal  hour  of  demo- 
cracy, confusion,  and  tyranny  Is  approaching,  this  book,  till  It  is  pro- 
hibited by  a  Directory,  will  shew  that  they  had  a  friend,  bold  enough 
to  contend  to  the  last  for  their  original  and  inherent  dignity.  A  friend 
who  believed,  or  rather  who  knew,  them  to  be  capable,  in  their  high 
functions,  to  maintain  and  adorn  the  principles  of  happiness,  and  safety, 
?.nd  learning,  and  comfort,  and  hope,  and  good  conscience  ;  against  fop- 
pery, and  false  science,  and  the  degradation  of  the  Intellect,  and  frippery, 
and  pompous  nonsense,  and  the  insolence  of  sciolists,  and  the  neglect  of 
good  writing,  and  of  good  manners.  A  friend  who,  with  no  false  enthu- 
siasm, would  secure  the  permanency  of  these  illustrious  institu- 
tions, with  every  monument  of  ancient  arts,  and  eloquence,  and  science, 
consecrated  by  the  ministry  of  religion  to  the  stability  of  the  State. 
(November,  1797.) 

m  The  Reverend  W.  Langford,  D.  D.  Canon  of  Windsor,  and 
Lower  Master  of  Eton  School.     An  instructor  of  much  industry  ii-nd  abll- 

L  1 


Or  bounds  with  Heretics  John  Mihier  ^  keep ;   210 


ity,  and  not  wltb.out  liveliness.  It  is  particular,  that  his  Majesty  never 
loaves  Windsor  for  Cheltenham,  Weymouth,  or  any  other  place,  but  all 
the  public  papers  instantly  inform  us  of  Dr.  Langford's  loyal  attention. 
"  The  King  arrived  at  Weyvncuth  on  such  or  such  a  day;  the  next 
"  week  Dr.  Langford  set  off  from  Eton,  and  preached  before  his  Majesty 
"  the  following  Sunday."  It  is  hardly  fair  to  his  reverend  rural  Brethren. 
His  Majest  should  not  be  accustomed  only  to  one  kind  of  excellence. 
The  Doctor,  on  these  occasions,  suddenly  disappears,  and  like  the  River 
Alpheus,  having  glided  softly  under  the  Sicanian  waves,  (uncontaminated 
by  the  saltness  of  the  ocean)  rises  a^-ain  sound  and  fresh  in  the  pulpit  at 
Weymouth.  This  is  very  kind.  The  Doctor  seems  un-willing  to  trust 
the  royal  theology  to  the  country  curates  even  for  a  few  weeks,  during 
his  Majesty's  absence  from  the  heavenly  consistor)--  at  Windsor,  7iovj  his 
only  Chaplains,  who,  it  is  hoped,  attend  deeply  to  their  theological  studies. 
This  is  very  considerate  in  Dr.  Langford,  and  a  high  mark  of  his  loyal 
attachment. 

"  Mon  cher  Dclpini,  sure  you  will  agree, 
"  That  for  fa  Bishop)  none  so  fit  as  He, 
"  Who  gives  the  King  such  very  good  avis."' 

See  the   Probationary  Odes,  by  Friar  Lawrence  and  his  (ci-devant) 
conventual  brethren.  (Nov.  1797.) 

mm  I  allude  to  a  learned,  modest.  Ingenious,  and  laborious  gentle- 
man, who  has  educated  many  oi  the  Jirst  sons  of  the  first  nobility  and 
gentry  of  this  country,  between  twenty  and  thirty  years,  with  unremit- 
ting personal  diligence  and  ability.  He  is  but _;«5^  promoted,*  to  the  ' 
satisfaction  of  all  who  know  him,  and  to  the  shame  of  those  who  have  so 
long  neglected  him. 

Ouis  gremlo  Enceladi  doctique  Pal^monis  affert. 
Quantum  grammaticus  mkruit  labor? 
As  my  notes  have  attracted  the  attention  of  men  of  high  rank  and  con' 
sequence,  (and  perhaps  have  reached  the  ear  of  Kings  J   I  c:.nr,ot  iidp 
*   February,    1703. 


[      267      ] 
Or  Wilberforce  range  lawless  through  the  town  j 

suggesting"  the  impropi  lety  and  injustice  of  delaying  the  reward  of  those, 
who  deserve  so  highly  of  their  country,  as  the  Masters  of  our  great  pub- 
lic schools,  and  of  some  private  Instructors.  There  are  many  ecclesiasti- 
cal preferments  perfectly  compatible  with  their  important  office,  and 
■which  should  be  conferred,  "  before  the  spirit  of  distributing  prebends 
"  and  bishopricks  shall  have  departed  from  the  Ministers''  (of  aiiy  time,) 
to  use  the  phrase  of  Junius. — As  I  would  console  some  of  my  learned 
friends  whose  preferment,  though  it  tarry,  will  not  be  (as  I  hope)  long 
in  abeyance f  1  wish  they  would,  in  the  mean  time,  contemplate  the 
energy  of  the  following  classical  sentence,  preferable  even  to  the  Latinity 
of  Tully  himself; — '■^Status  dlcitur  a  stando,  quia  quando  quis  habet  u?iam 
"  bonam  Prxbendam  turn  dicimus,  ^  Is  bene  stat."  Epist.  Obscurorumviro- 
rum.  Enquire  at  Westminster,  Durham,  Winchester,  Worcester,  and 
Windsor. 

o  Richard  Warren,  M.  D.  a  learned  and  able  Physician  of  the 
time.  "  The  well  curved  palm"  is  the  attitude  of  a  modern  physician, 
when  he  is  about  to  leave  his  patient,  and  which  he  as  naturally  closes 
upon  his  fie,  as  a  lobster  does  his  claw.  As  I  have  a  high  respect  for  the 
Medical  art,  I  will  gratify  Dr.  Warren,  and  many  other  ingenious  gen- 
tlemen of  the  profession,  with  an  extract  from  one  of  the  Elogia  written 
by  Sammarthanus;  it  relates  to  a  physician  whom  he  names  JIarescottiis. 
"  Recorderis  Marescottum  nostrum  tria  se  sacra:  artl  nostrx  (Medicrs 
"  scilicet)  debere  profcssum,  quibis  caruisset,  si  propositum  a  parentibus 
"  saccrdotium  suscepisset;  scilicet,  sanitatem  athleticam  xtatis  anno  Samo, 
•'  centum  aureorum  millia,  atque  intimam  innumerorum  illustrium  amici- 
"  tiam."  Sammarth.  Elog.  p.  83  and  84.  N.  B.  Though  the  Doctor 
rejected  the  propositum  sacerdotiicm  for  himself,  yet  his  Brother  my  Lord 
of  Bangor  was  made  into  a  Bishop  by  fraternal  skill  in  the  reign  of  Lord 
North. — Since  this  note  was  Jirst  printed,  (July  1797,)  the  public  have 
lamented  the  loss  of  this  acute  and  very  learned  physician.  Dum 
loquimur,  Sec.  S^c. 

p     This  allusion  was  evidently  made  since  the  26th  of  February  1797, 
soon  after  which  the  Bank  issued  the  One  Pound  notes,  to  the  great  dis- 
quiet of  tbefacultr. 


[     268      ] 
Or  Mingay  be  the  glory  of  his  gown; 


q  "  Siccat  incequales  calices  Conviva  Sacerdos."  It  is  well  known  by 
the  Clergy  of  a  powerful  northern  diocese,  that  on  public  days  when  the 
Claret  or  Burgundy  arrives  at  a  certain  distance  from  the  top  of  the  table, 
where  my  Lord  is  seated,  the  attracting  power  suddenly  draws  the  bottles 
across  the  table.  "  Ipse  capillato  diffusum  consule  potat."  This  is  not 
an  anecdote  o/"oiZ)frf/mw.  It  is  true  at  this  hour.  (July,  1797.)  When 
avarice,  pride,  and  meanness  act  upon  the  mind  at  once,  I  leave  it  to  the 
metaphvsJcans  to  determine  the  curve  in  which  it  moves. — I  say  no  more. 

r  The  Bishop  of  St.  Pol  de  Leon,  to  whom  the  chief  care  of  the 
public  Iarj_;'es3  of  this  kingdom  to  the  French  Emigrants  sacred  and  pro- 
^ane  is  committed.  See  the  portrait  of  his  Catholic  Lordship  in  the  pub- 
lic print  shops  of  London.  It  is  impossible  to  doubt  the  apparent  pro- 
priety of  the  epithet  I  have  given  him,  if  we  only  glance  on  the  portrait. — 
I  refer  the  reader  to  all  my  notes  on  the  R.oman  Catholic  cause,  in  the 
Third  Dialogue  of  the  P.  of  L.  It  is  indeed  true,  that  the  Popedom  is 
xow  fallen;  hut  tke  spirit  of  it,  I  still  maintain,  is  neither  extinct 
nor  asleep.  By  way  of  Contrast,  1  cannot  retrain  from  presenting  to  the 
reader  the  picture  of  Pope  Paul  the  Fourth,  as  drav.-n  by  the  master 
hand  of  Paolo  Sarpi.  I  will  not  injure  the  sublimity  and  force  of  the 
language  by  a  translation.  He  well  knew  the  court  and  the  policy  of 
Papal  Rome,  and  they  knew  him.  "  E  ben  cosa  certa,  que  Paolo, 
"  come  quello  che  era  d'animo  grande  e  de'  vasti  pensieri,  teneva  per 
"  sicuro  di  poter  remediare  a  tutti  i  disordini /)fr  la  sola  sua  autorita  pon- 
"  tijicale,  ne  riputava  di  aver  bisogna  in  cid  di  Principe  alcuno;  solito  di 
"  non  parlar  mai  con  gli  Ambasciadori,  se  non  intonandogli  nelle  oreccbie 
'■^  cbe  egli  era  sopra  tutti  gli  Principi;  che  non  voleva  che 
"  alcuno  d'essi  domesticasse  seco,  cbe  poteva  mutar  regni,  che  era  Suc- 
"  CESSOR  di  Chi  ha  deposto  Re  et  Imperadori:"  1st.  del  Concil  Trident. 
Lib.  5.  This  picture  of  a  Pope,  in  the  plenitude  of  pontific  power, 
should  be  presented  to  all  Christian  countries,  "  in  perpetuam  ret 
'•  menwriam,"  that  they  may  contemplate  what  this  spiritual  tyranny 
and  usurpation  once  were,  and  what  the  principles  of  the  Romish  Church 
sacred  and  political  (which,  nc-ccr  cbangt  in  essence,  substance,  or  spirit 


[      269      ] 
Or  Erskine  cease  from  impotent  grimace, 

under  any  calamity)  will  at  all  times  naturally  introduce,  whenever  they 
obtain  their  full  operation.  "  U5:  Fjpa,  ibi  Roma!"  in  SECula  sxculo- 
ruml      Let  £,':j/anv'/ look  to  this.   (1796.) 

s  To  the  revival  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Cause  in  Great  Britain, 
"  Ftstis  ero  vivens."  In  our  dread  and  natural  horror  of  atheism  and  of 
anarchy,  why  are  we  to  revive  superstition  and  tyranny?  I  have  nothing 
to  do  with  the  emancipation  of  the  Catholics  in  Ireland,  but  to  my 
apprehension  it  is  a  measure  full  of  danger.  It  is  at  one  stroke  to  alter 
the  fundamental  law  and  constitution  of  the  country.  I  write  in  Great 
Britain,  and  direct  my  thoughts  for  this  kingdom,  wishing  for  peace, 
tranquility^  and  union  between  the  two  Islands. — I  have  given  more  time 
and  study  to  this  Roman  Catholic  subject  than  any  man  perhaps,  at  this 
time,  will  think  it  deserves.  I  have  perused  many  a  dull  and  uninteres- 
ting tract,  even  of  their  own  squabbles  among  one  another,  much  to 
the  loss  of  my  own  quiet.  In  general  I  pass  them  over  and  consign  them 
to  their  own  dulness.  But  there  is  one  pamphlet,  not  for  any,  even  the 
least,  excellence  of  the  composition,  but  for  the  virulence  of  its  spirit, 
which  I  call  into  public  notice,  if  the  public  will  or  can  feel  upon  the 
subject.  It  is  entitled  "  A  Reply  to  the  Report  published  by  the 
*'  Cisalpine  Club  on  the  authenticity  of  the  Protestation  at  the  British 
"  Museum,  &:c.  &c.  by  the  Rev.  John  Milner,"  Printed  for  Coghlan, 
Duke  Street,  Grosvenor  Square,  1795.  ^^  ^^  written,  as  the  title  page 
informs  me,  by  one  John  Milner,  a  Provincial  Priest  resident  as  I  am 
told  at  Winchester,  not  an  emigrant,  nor  in  the  King's  House  (while  the 
Priests  lived  there  en  masse,)  but  the  priest  of  a  private  chapel  in  that 
city.  He  seems  by  his  Avritings,  (I  know  no  more  of  him)  to  be  of  the 
most  intolerant  principles  and  deliberate  in  the  application  of  them.  He 
exhibits  at  once  the  extremes  of  fierceness  and  of  impotence.  But  he  re- 
presents the  opinions  of  a  very  large  portion  of  th.eir  body  by  whom  he  is 
accredited.  He  is  very  cautious  in  his  pamphlet,  as  he  thinks,  but  his 
caution  speaks  plainer  language  than  the  frankness  of  the  most  open 
delaration.  "  It  is  apprehended  (he  says)  that  the  publication  of  the  facts 
*•'  in  question  mi^bt  prove  detrimental  to  the  Catholic  Interest  (observe  the 


[     270     ] 
And  his  appeals  to  '  God,  his  prime  disgrace ; 


"  Avords)  on  aiiy  FuruRE  application  to  the  Lrgislature."  p.  ■^G.  We  see 
this  ivaiy  priest  has  not  thought  proper  to  conceal  that  thej  have  further 
intentions.  Ke  tries  the  ground  before  him,  but  his  steps  are  uneasy. 
The  indulgence,  it  seems,  is  not  to  rest  here.  The  lenity  of  our  govern- 
ment naturally  leads  to  other  demands.  With  this  clue  in  my  hand,  I 
have  little  difficulty  to  pass  through  the  Intricacy  of  this  Romish  labyrinth. 
In  another  part  of  Mr.  Milner's  "  Reply,"  his  indignation  rises  against 
gome  expressions  in  the  declaration  of  the  Catholics.  We  see  the  embers 
under  which  the  fire  is  not  yet  extinguished.  He  is  afraid,  that  ive 
Protestants  should  think  that  the  spirit  of  his  church  has  suffered  an 
abatement.  "  Thus  to  Mr  Judgment  (he  cries  out)  am  I  and  the  whole 
"  Catholic  body,  ivithout  consenting  to  it,  pledged  in  the  face  of  the 
"  Legislature  to  condemn  the  wars  of  Charlemagne,  and  The  Crusade 
"  against  The  infamous  Jlbigenses."  p.  28.  I  hope  we  are  all  chil- 
dren of  mercy,  trained  and  educated  in  the  benevolence  and  charity  which 
Christ  has  taught  and  enforced,  and  if  we  have  read  the  history  of  that 
infernal  and  mui'dcrous  persecution  of  the  devoted  Albigenses,  (whose 
chief  crime  was  their  determined  opposition  and  resistance  to  the  papal 
tvranny*)  what  opinion  or  what  comment  shall  we  form  on  this  merci- 
less  priest,   who  after   the  lapse  of  centuries,  feels  the  same  passions  and 

*  The  Albigenses  were  a  sect  of  the  Waldenses,  who  had  their  rise 
iu  the  twelfth  century.  I  know  what  the  malice  of  their  enemies  has 
s"iggested  against  them.  This  is  not  a  place  to  discuss  history,  but  I 
refer  the  statesman  to  Thuanus  L.  i.  S.  16.  vol.  i.  p.  221.  Ed.  Buckley. 
N.  B.  For  their  confession  of  faith,  which  was  presented  to  king  Francis 
the  First,  by  the  wretched  remnant  of  these  Albigenses,  I  refer  the 
theological  and  political  reader  to  Sandius's  Hist.  Eccles.  It  is  an 
honour  to  their  religion.  Sandius's  words  begin  :  "A.  154+.  Merin- 
"  doliani  et  Caprarienses,  inc.  existentesque  Reliquix  Albigensium  sequen- 
"  tern  fidei  sux  confessioncm  obtulerunt  Francisco  I.  Regi  Galllse,  quam 
"  a  majoribus  quasi  per  manus  acceperant,  abhinc  anno  post  Christi 
"  Incirn:    1200,"  kc.   Sand.  Flist.  E.  p.  425. 


I 


C      271      ] 

Or  Grafton's  virtues,  to  their  latest  day, 
Expire  in  Junius,  and  revive  in  Gray;  " 
Sooner  the  black  weird  Brother  of  the  Heath  * 
With  spells  >'  appall  an  z;2;zof^;z^  Macbeth  ;  218 

Or,  by  the  wayward  justice  of  the  land, 
Great  Mansfield  fall  by  an  Attorney's  hand;  ^ 


the  same  thirst  of  blood  against  these  innocent  victims  of  popish  and  arbi- 
trar)' violence.      Crimine  ab  uno  discf.  o>inesI   (1796.) 

t  Nothing  can  be  more  ofFer.slve,  more  injudicious,  and  in  some  instan- 
ces more  profane,  than  when  a  Barrister  appeals  to  God  for  the  truth  of 
every  assertion  made  in  a  court  of  law,  and  in  many  cases  when  the  facts 
have  been  doubtful,  and  sometimes  have  been  afterwards  proved  to  be 
false.  I  call  this  a  prime  disgrace;  and  I  hope  no  Barrister  of  ability 
vill  follow  this  flippant  and  ra:h  habit  of  Mr.  Erskine,  in  the  Court  of 
King's  Bench,  which  ive  have  all  so  repeatedly  witnessed.  Mr.  Erskine's 
own  better  sense  and  serious  thought  (for  I  believe  he  has  some  serious 
thoughts)  will  restrain  him  in  future.  But  public  men  must  be  told  of 
their  faults  publicly. 

tt  The  fate  of  the  present  Duke  of  Grafton  is  singular.  He  has 
been  celebrated  by  the  first  prose  writer  and  the  firit  poet  of  the  age. 

(1797-) 

X     2.?i<y'/ef  xs^flfjvi-f  yr,^vi  iy.fi.f^auiyii.  Lyccphron.  Cassand.  v.  7. 

To  a  scholar  I  would  speak  as  a  scholar.  No  more.  At  some  fiature 
day,  he  will  find  himself  to  be  under  a  mistake,  and  may  perhaps  acknow- 
ledge it.  The  very  ingenious  author  of  the  Bath  Guide  once  made  a 
similar  mistake ;  and,  as  he  is  a  man  of  virtue,  as  well  as  talents,  genius, 
and  learning,  he  repented  of  it.  See,  if  it  be  extant,  a  Poem  called, 
"  The  Priest  Dissected." 

z  See  a  long  law-life  in  4to.  of  the  great  Ear!  Mansfield,  Lord 
Chief  Justice  of  the  King's  Bench;  by  Mr.  Holliday,  in  a  very  peculiar 
style  indeed.  For  thi  greiter  part,  it  's  a  b'jndle  of  reports  and  la^v  plead- 


[     272     ] 

Or  one  mean  cause  the  virtuous  ^  Scott  maintain, 
Turn  law  to  trade,  or  deem  religion  vain; 
Or  ^  Rose  with  coy  submission,  modest  grace, 
Rise  to  explain  his  sinecures  and  place ; 
Or  the  Bank  bow  to  Pitt's  imperial  creed ; 
Or  Dramatists  to  public  trust  succeed; 
Sooner  to  France  Thames  roll  his  current  strong, 
Than  men  love  verse,  high  fancy,  or  the  song. 

Taught  by  the  muse,  and  by  her  wisdom  wise, 
Think  not,   a  Poet's  name  I  lightly  prize:  230 

But  in  the  wane  of  Empires  (mark  the  hour) 
Vice  and  the  Sword  consolidate  all  pow'r; 
Laws  pass  their  *^  bounds ;  few  statesmen  stand  erect; 
All  in  their  country's  name,  themselves  protect; 

ings  strung  together.  It  is  astonishing  to  me,  that  Conveyancers  and 
Attorneys,  who  really  appear  not  to  know  how  to  construct  a  single  sen- 
tence, without  provoking  a  smile  at  some  error  in  grammar,  language, 
or  metaphor,  will  think  themselves  qualified  to  deliver  down  to  posterity 
the  lives  of  great  men.  Luckily,  Mr.  Holliday's  zeal  does  not  offend  us 
in  rhyme.  The  friendship  and  the  verse  of  Pope,  as  well  as  the  splen- 
dour of  his  own  abilities,  and  the  dignity  of  their  high  exertions,  have 
secured  an  eternity  of  reputation  to  Loud  Chief  Justice  Mansfield^ 
which  can  never  fall — even  by   Mr.   Holliday's   attempt.    (November, 

1797O 

a     Sir  John  Scott,  Attornev  General. 

b     George  Rose,  Esci.  Secretary  to  the  I'rcasury,  Sec.  Sec.  Sec.   Sec. 
ccc.   Sec.  Sec.  Stc. 


[      273      ] 

The  public  hopes  with  pubUc  credit  sink — 
At  such  an  hour,  when  men  to  madness  think, 
What  is  a  Poet,  what  is  fiction's  strain  ? 
Junius  ^  might  probe  a  nation's  wounds  in  vain. 
As  from  a  diamond  globe,  with  rays  condense, 
'Tis  Satire  gives  the  strongest  light  to  sense,  240 
To  thought  compression,  vigour  to  the  soul, 
To  language  bounds,  to  fancy  due  controul, 
To  truth  the  splendour  of  her  awful  face. 
To  learning  dignity,  to  virtue  grace. 
To  conscience  stings  beneath  the  cap  or  crown. 
To  vice  that  terror  she  will  feel  and  own. 


c  The  violence,  sedition,  and  daring  wickedness  of  times  like  these 
produce  the  necessity  of  extending  laws  and  regulations,  and  acts  which 
are  declared  temporary^  and  called  for  by  that  necessity  alone.  When 
the  danger  is  past,  the  Constitution  is  again  left  to  protect  itself  by  its 
ancient  laws,  if  that  danger  can  now^  or  ever,  pass  from  us.  This  is 
what  Octavius  seems  to  mean,  by  "  laws  passing  their  bounds,"  Sec.  in 
this  and  the  follciving  lines;  and  in  this  sense  I  hope  he  will  be  under- 
stood. 

d     O  magna  sacer  et  superbus  umbra  1  Stat.  Sylv.  L.  2.  Carm.  7. 

Junius  told  the  nation,  that  "a  time  might  arrive,  at  which  every  inferior 
"  consideration  must  yield  fo  The  sEcuRiTr  of  The  sovereign,  and  to 
"  THE  GENERAL  SAFETrof  tie  State."  Introduct.  to  Lett.  35.  This  is 
not  the  doctrine  of  Home  Tooke  and  the  desperate  French  factions  and  sedi- 
tious societies  now  in  England  and  Ireland.  Junius  had  not  so  learned 
the  Constitution  of  England;  nor  has  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  so  learned  it. 

M  m 


C      274      ] 

But  if  in  love  with  fiction  still,  at  Court 
Present  in  verse  some  new  Finance  Report, 
How  taxes,  funds,  and  debts  shall  disappear, 
Or  in  the  fiftieth  or  five-hundredth  year.  250 

Or  tread  the  maze  oi  picturesque  delight, 
From  Holwood  paint  with  Pitt  the  prospect  bright ; 
Without  one  "line  of  boundary"  to  speech. 
The  sum.mil  oi  conceit  Wwh.  Gilpin  ^  reach. 


e  I  am  under  the  necessity  oF  making  a  strong  remonstrance  against 
the  language  of  Mr.  Gilpin's  writings  on  Landscape  and  the  Pictu- 
resque. It  is  such  a  sartago  or  jargon  of  speech  as  is  wholly  unnecessary, 
though  we  are  taught  to  believe  them  appropriate  terms.  They  abso- 
lutely appear  in  troops.  Dips — Boles — Grand  Masses — Belts — tremu- 
lous Shudders — Bursts — Flashy  Inundations — Partitions  of  Desolation — 
Continents  of  Precipice — and  a  hundred  more,  till  the  English  language 
sets  all  English  meaning  at  defiance.  These  terms  are  not  the  parce 
detorta  of  Horace,  but  mere  jargon  and  foolish  affectation.  Dilettanti 
and  Connoisseurs  almost  blush  to  use  them.  A  term  or  word  may  not  be 
quite  obvious  or  easy,  yet  it  may  not  be  affected.  But  the  rage  of  Concetto 
admits  no  "  line  of  boundary,"  as  these  gentlemen  love  to  talk.  To  use 
the  words  of  Shakspeare  in  one  of  his  own  plays,  (as  it  now  seems,  for 
Dr.  Farmer  and  George  Steevens,  Esq.  take  from  him  and  give  to  h'lm  just 
as  they  please.  J  "  They  absolutely  make  a  battery  through  our  defence- 
"  less  parts."  Pericles  Prince  of  Tyre,  Act  5,  Sc.  i. — Simplicity  in  lan- 
guage is  first  to  be  sought.  Strength  and  dignity  will  follow.  Govern- 
ment, the  arts,  morality,  and  religion,  are  all  concerned  in  its  preservation. 
Mr.  Gilpin's  works  on  other  subjects  have  and  deserve  high  approba- 
tion. In  all  but  the  picturesque  he  seems  as  ready  as  any  man  to  say, 
''  State  super  vias  antiquas." 


[     275      ] 

In  Desolation's  dread  partitions  felt, 
With  dip,  and  bole,  grand  masses,  burst,  and  belt, 
With  shudders  tremulous  explore  your  v/ay, 
Through  plashy  inundations  ^  led  astray  ; 
Till  tir'd  and  jaded  with  the  coxcomb  strains. 
Homeward  you  steal  "thro'  Surry's ^  quiet  lanes," 
Renounce  all  Gilpin's  jargon,  said  or  sung,      261 
And  talk  of  Nature's  works  in  Nature's  tongue. 
But  still  keep  Method. 

AUTHOR. 

Method? 

OCTAVIUS. 

Yes:   'tis  plain, 
Connection,  order,  me'^/^oc?  you  disdain : 
Be  regular:  from  A  to  B  proceed; 
I  hate  your  zig-zag  verse,  and  wanton  heed. 


f     Anglice^  "  Fens." 

g  "  Stealing  through  the  quiet  lanes  of  Surry,"  is  an  easy  and  happy 
expression  '(cur  non  omnia?)  of  Mr.  Gilpin.  See  Observat.  on  the  Lakes 
of  Westmoreland,  8cc.  vol.  2,  p.  268. 


[      276      ] 
AUTHOR. 

Say  then,  a  simple  story  shall  I  tell  ? 
A  MAN  OF  METHOD  is  the  theme. 

OCTAVIUS. 

'Tis  well. 

AUTHOR. 

There  liv'd  a  Scholar  ^  late,  of  London  fame, 
A  Doctor,  '  and  Morosophos  ^  his  name :  270 

From  all  the  pains  of  study  freed  long  since. 
Far  from  a  Newton,  and  not  quite  a  ^  Vince ; 


h  When  I  am  very  particular  in  the  description  of  a  character,  I 
abstain  from  giving  the  least  hint  of  a  real  name.  "  Quis  rapiet  ad  se 
"  quod  erit  commune  omnium?"  or  in  Le  Sage's  inimitable  language, 
"  qui  se  /era  connoitre  mal  ^  propos?"  I  only  give  this  as  A  Character^ 
and  say  no  more. 

i  The  word  and  title  of"  Doctor"  is  miserably  abused.  Erasmus 
long  ago  in  an  Epistle  from  Louvain  in  1520  to  the  celebrated  Cardinal 
Campeggio,  observed  with  some  indignation,  "  Unde  DocroRis  titulo 
"  gloriantur,  nisi  ur  doceanT?"  Erasmi  Epist.  Ed.  Lond.  Fol.  652. 
I  wish  this  were  written  in  larger  characters  over  the  door  of  the  theatr* 
at  Oxford,  and  the  Senate  House  at  Cambridge. 

k  Morosophos.  i.  e.  Stulte  sapiens — But  more  presently  of  Dr. 
Morosophos,  the  Man  of  Method. 


[      277      ] 

In  metaphysics  bold  would  spread  his  sails, 
And  with  Monboddo  still  believ'd  ""  in  tails ; 
At  anatomic  lore  would  sometimes  peep, 
And  call  Earle  "  useful,  Abernethy  °  deep ; 
With  Symonds  and  with  Grafton's  Duke  p  would  vie, 
A  Dilettante  in  Divinity; 


1  A  learned  and  useful  Professor  of  Natural  Experimental  Philo- 
sophy at  Cambridge.      See  his  works. 

m  All  the  learned  world  know  hoiv  Lord  Monboddo  believed,  and 
still  believes,  that  men  had  once  tails  depending  from  the  gable  end  of 
their  bodies,  supposing  them  to  go  upon  all  fours.  N.  B.  Dr.  Johnson 
defines  the  gable  end  to  be  "  the  sloping  roof  oi  a  building,"  and  he  gives 
a  pleasant  instance  from  Mortimer's  Husbandry.  "  Take  care  that  all 
"  your  brickwork  be  covered,  Stc.  without  gable  ends,  which  are  very 
"  heavy.,"  &c. 

n  James  Earle,  Esq.  Senior  Surgeon  at  St.  Bartholomew's  Hospi- 
tal, and  Editor  of  the  celebrated  Percival  Pott's  Works.  I  have 
been  informed  that  the  notes  which  Mr.  Earle-has  added  are  valuable; 
nor  would  I  pass  in  silence  the  treatises  he  has  given  to  the  world  in  his 
«wn  name,  the  result  of  extensive  practice  and  observation. 

o  A  young  Surgeon  of  an  accurate  and  philosophical  spirit  of  inves- 
tigation, from  whose  genius  and  labours  I  am  led  to  think,  that  the 
medical  art  and   natural  science  will  hereafter  receive  great  accessions. 

(1797O 

p  The  Duke  of  Grafton,  the  Chancellor,  and  John  Symonds,  L.L.D. 
Professor  of  Modern  History  in  the  University  of  Cambridge,  have  both 
attracted  the  public  attention  by  their  various  Hints  and  Observations  on 
subjects  of  Scripture. — As  I  never  may  have  so  convenient  an  opportunity, 
I  will  also  oiFer  a  remark  or  two,  which  are  new  to  me,  on  a  passage  in 
St.  Paul's  Epistles,  if  another  Layman  may  be  heard  with  indulgence. 
Ihere  is  no  particular  conjecture  as  to  the  peculiar  meaning  or  force  of 


I 


[     278     ] 

A  special  clerk  for  method  and  for  plan, 

Through  science  by  the  alphabet  he  ran.         280    | 


the  following  passage  of  St.  Paul  in  the  Second  Epistle  to  Timothy.  "  The 
*'  Cloak  which  I  left  at  Troas  bring  with  thee,  and  the  books,  but  espe- 
^^  cXiWy  the  parcbments."  Ep.  z.  C.  4.,  v.  13.  I  would  hint,  that  this 
Epistle  was  written yVom  Rome  when  Paul  was  brought  before  Nero  the 
second  time.  Eypa^jj  ostto  Vaitvii;^  on  i»  aivnpn  Trxfua-rri  TlacvXag  ru  Kcaa-otft 
Hifuti.  In  the  2  2d  chapter  of  the  Acts,  Paul  was  tenacious  of  the  pri- 
vilege of  Roman  Citizenship,  and  it  proved  of  much  advantage  to  him 
before  the  Centurion.  It  may  be,  and  it  is,  a  matter  of  mere  con- 
jecture, whether  he  might  he  required  to  ^irove  himself  a  Citizen  of  Rome, 
when  he  was  to  make  his  defence.  These  parchments  ff^ifA^fotvxiJ  might 
contain  some  documents,  or  be  a  deed  or  diploma  of  some  consequence  to 
the  matter  in  question.  But  as  to  the  Cloak,  there  is  something  more  par- 
ticular. The  Cloak  in  the  original,  is  OsAovn?,  or  <PociXovyii;,  which  is  un- 
doubtedly a  corruption  for  OstJvaA-.)?,  and  is  so  read  in  the  Codex  M.  S. 
Bibliothecx  Cxsarex  Viennensis.  <I>«(vo>i»?  was  grecised  from  the  Roman 
word  Pxnula^  This  is  no  more  than  was  done  frequently  in  other  lan- 
guages and  in  other  countries.  Particularly  when  the  seat  of  Empire  was 
transferred  from  Rome  to  Byzantium,  the  lawyers  of  the  Imperial  Courts  ' 
■were  obliged  to  grecise  many  terms  of  law;  as  «I><3erx9^^«r(r«p<»5  for  Jidei 
commissarios,  Vitth^iov  for  repudiiim,  (as  in  this  passage,  *'  EvXoya?  ii  ywn 
*'  Tfl  ViTra^ioy  a-TiiXin'  sctX."  Justinian.  Novell.  22.)  Krjva-ivitv,  ior  Censere  ] 
'E^TFiiirov  for  Expeditum  or  Expeditio,  x.of^.'Tr^oi/.Kjtroi  for  compromissum,  and 
other  words,  as  may  be  seen  in  Du  Fresne's  and  other  Lexicons,  but  in 
particular  in  a  most  singular  and  scarce  Glossary  by  Meursius.*  And  in 
the  East,  before  the  accession  of  the  House  of  Timour,  the  Arabian\z.vi,- 

*  "  Joannis  Meursii  Glossarium  Grxco — Barbarum,  in  quo  prseter 
*'  vocabula  quinque  millia  quadringenta.  Officia  atque  Dignitates  Im- 
"  peril  Constantinop.  tarn  in  Platio,  quam  in  Ecclesia  aut  Militia  expli- 
"  cantur  et  illustrantur."  Lugd.  Bat.  1614.  It  is  worthy  the  attention  ©f 
any  scholar. 


[      279      ] 

Prudent,  as  Newton,  'i  in  domestic  care, 
With  no  Scriblerian  "i^i  scruples  for  his  Heir, 


guage  was  prevalent  in  Hindostan,  when  the  Hindoo  Rajas  had  commu- 
nication with  the  Mahommedan  princes ;  and  it  is  remarkable,  that  the 
Arabian  language  is  used  technically  in  the  code  of  Gentoo  laws.  Ch.  2. 
S.  3.  "  That  is  a  woman's  property,  during  the  Ayammi  Shaddee."  These 
words  are  the  Arabic  terms  for  the  Days  of  Marriage.  The  trial  of  Ma- 
horajah  Nundocomar  for  forgery  before  the  Supreme  Court  of  Judicature 
in  Bengal,  will  furnish  many  singular  instances. — But  to  return  to  the 
<I)«(voAi]j  or  Pxnula.  I  would  observe  that  when  the  Roman  state  degen- 
erated into  an  absolute  monarchy,  many  citizens  laid  aside  the  Toga  and 
wore  the  Pienula,  or  the  Lacerna  in  its  stead.  Augustus  highly  disapprov- 
ed of  this  change  in  their  dress.  He  was,  as  Suetonius  informs  us,  indig- 
nabundus,  and  gave  orders  to  the  -/Ediles  on  tlie  subject ;  "  Negotium 
"  iEdilibus  dedit,  ne  quem  posthac  in  foro  paterentur,  nisi  positis /acern/^, 
*'  togatum  consistere."  0£lav.  C.  40.  But  the  Panula  was  still  worn. 
As  the  Pxnula  was  so  specifically  a  Roman  garment  and  worn  only  by 
Romans,  St.  Paul  might  wish,  as  a  slight  confirmation  of  his  point,  to 
shew  what  was  his  customary  dress.  It  may  be  remarked,  that  the 
Pxnula  was  a  vestment,  which  the  Romans  generally  wore  upon  a  journey. 
Juvenal  observes  in  Sat.  5.  "  Multo  stillaret  Pxnula  nimbo,"  and  St. 
Paul  says,  that  "  he  left  it  behind  him  at  Troas." — This  is  only  written, 
as  a  mere  literary  remark  to  hint,  that  in  the  minutest  passages  of  the 
Scriptures  there  may  be  some  meaning;  and  that  nothing  can  be  so  con- 
temptible as  a  foolish  and  profane  ridicule,  on  any  passage  in  the  sacred 
writings,  founded  on  ignorance.  The  present  remarks  are  intended  as  a 
matter  of  some  little  curiosity  :  and  I  look  upon  them  in  no  other  view.  ■^' 
But  I  think  there  is  no  passage  in  the  Hebrew  or  Greek  Scriptures  which 
will  not  at  least  admit  of  such  an  illustration  or  explanation,  I  mean  pbilo- 
logically  or  critically^  as  may  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men. 
Much  general  information  is  to  be  obtained  from  Harmer's  valuable  and 
satisfactory  Observations  on  the  Scriptures,  collected  from  Voyages  and 
Travels  in  the  East;  (four  volumes  8vo.)  and  from  "  Letters  from  some 


C      280       ] 

He  took,  not  e'en  in  thought  mdin'd  to  rove, 
A  wife  for  regularity,  not  love. 


"  Jews  to  Mr.  Voltaire."  A  man  of  real  erudition,  who  merits  the  esteem 
of  his  fellow-creatures,  constantly  keeps  his  knowledge,  his  reason,  and 
his  prudence  connected  indissolubly,  or  as  it  is  well  expressed  by  a  philo- 
sopher,   E»  vuvo(,ff/.oyoi  ctdt!it,}\VTM  x.cnc6  Xoyav  dDi^rov,* 

q  The  celebrated  and  learned  Bishop  Newton,  late  Bishop  of  Bristol, 
in  his  pleasant  and  ingenuous  account  of  his  own  life  (written  by  himself,) 
has  recorded  the  very  useful  ceconomical  motives  for  his  marriage. 

In  the  year  1761,  Dr.  Newton  thought  seriously  of  taking  a  wife  en 
seconde.  His  reasons  were  as  follow,  and  may  be  serviceable  to  many. 
"  0  Vecchi^  cb'avete  bisogno  di  Moglie!  and  so  on,  Sec.  &c.  Sec.  Scola 
"  de  3Turitati.". ...'■'■  Dr.  Newton  found  that  the  study  of  sacred  and  clas- 
"  sic  authors  ill  agree  with  accounts  of  Butchers'  and  Bakers'  bills,  and  by 
"  daily  experience  he  was  convinced  that  it  was  not  good  to  live  alone 
"  without  a  help  meet  for  him.  And  especially  vjhen  he  had  some  pros- 
"  pect  of  a  bishopric.  Fresh  difficulties  and  troubles  opened  to  his  view, 
"  two  houses.. ..a  great  number  of  servants.. ..a  better  table  and  public 
"  days. ...and  he  plainly  foresaw,  that  he  must  either  fall  a  prey  to  servants, 
"  or  look  out  for  some  clever  sensible  ivoman  to  be  his  wife,  who  was  a  pru- 
"  dent  manager  and  (economist,  and  could  lay  out  his  money  to  the  best 
"  advantage ;  who  had  no  more  taste  and  love  of  pleasure  tbaii  a  reasona- 
"  ble  TJomaJi  should  have ;  who  would  be  happier  in  staying  with  her  hus- 
"  band  at  home,  than  in  perpetually  gadding  abroad;  who,  though  she 
"  brought  no  fortune,  might  save  one,  and  be  a  fortune  in  herself.  In 
"  short,  the  Doclor  married  on  the  5th  September  1761,  and  on  the  iSth 
"  of  the  same  month  he  kissed  his  majesty's  hand  on  his  Bishopric." 
The  Doctor  was  lucky.  '■^  Oscula  libavit,  dein  talia  fatv.r;"  i.  e.  The 
Bishop  adds,  "  A  lady  of  quality  a  friend  of  his,  said  upon  his  marriage, 
"  it  ivas  the  wisest  thing  he  ever  did  in  his  life ;  and  that  she   was  the 

*  Plat.  Tim:^.  I-ocr.  de  Anima  Mundi.  Plat.  Op.  Edit.  Serrani 
Tom.  3,  page  95. 


[      281      ] 

A  little  architect  in  all  his  schemes, 

Some  say,  he  had  a  method  in  his  dreams. 

Three  sessions  in  the  House  he  daily  toil'd, 

In  every  plan,  in  every  motion  foil'd. 

Till  like  grave  Nicholls  in  a  pet  he  swore, 

"  I'll  move  myself^  the  House  I  move  no  more ;" 

Then  penn'd  to  Pitt  his  monitory  strain,  '* 

As  Murray,  clear,  and  as  fond  Randolph,  plain. 

"  most  proper  wife  for  him  in  the  world.  And  uideed,  says  the  Bishop, 
"  she  more  than  answered  his  warmest  ivishes^  Sec."  Bishop  Newton's 
Life,  8vo.  Ed.  vol.  i.  p.  8  r.... Except  in  two  aculeated  closing  words,  his 
Lordship  does  not  take  into  his  account  of  wedded  love,  "  the  golden 
"  shafts,  the  constant  lamp,  or  the  purple  wings,"  which  Milton  cele- 
brates, and  Husbands  feel. 

"  O  Veccbi,  che  avete  bisogno  di  moglie,  kc.  Sec.  &c.  Sec." 
Episcopal  Air  and  Rondeau  repealed.^  by  a  Chorus  of  Doctors  and  Chap- 
lains. 

qq  Sec  the  Memoirs  of  Martinus  Scrlblerus.  Cliapter  i.  Hoiv  Dr. 
Cornelius  observed  all  the  rules  given  by  the  ancients  lo  those  who  desire 
to  generate  children  of  wit,  which  Dr.  Morosophos  magnanimously  disre- 
garded. He  neither  cared  for  the  South  or  the  West  Wind.  Lucretius 
thought  otherwise. 

Cum  reserata  viget  genitabilis  aura  Favoni, 
Doctores  prlmum  aerii  te,   Dira,  tuumquc 
Significant  initum,  Sec.  Sec.  Sec.  Sec. 
r     The  three  great,  yet  familiar,  Letter-writers  of  the  age  are,  John 
Nicholls,  Esq.  M.  P.  for  Tregony  (1797).  Sir  James  Murray  (Pulteney) 
Secretary  to  the  Duke  of  York  in  Germany,  and  the  Reverend  Dr.  Ran- 
dolph....See   "A  pair  of  Epistles  in  verse,  with  notes :  the  first  to  the 

Nn 


[      282      ] 

Resolv'd  on  ease,  his  travels  were  at  home, 

And  Lum'sden  ^  taught  him  to  converse  of  Rome: 

The  arch  Palladian  and  the  Parian  stone 

He  lov'd,  the  pride  of  Chambers  and  of  Soane  ^ 

But  late,  by  Carter's  "  boly  pencil  won, 

Wyatt  and  Gothic  heresy  would  shun ; 


"  Reverend  Dr.  R-andolph,  &:c."  second  edition.  1796.  I  reconiinend 
them  to  the  general  entertainment,  and  perhaps  instruction,  of  the  public. 

s  That  in;jenlous,  accomplished,  and  very  learned  gentleman,  An- 
drew LuMiSDEN,  Esq.  F.  A.S.  Edinb.  has  since  that  time  taugdit  us  all, 
in  the  most  agreeable  scholar-like  manner.  Set  "  His  remarks  on  the 
"  Antiquities  of  Rome  and  its  Environs,  being  a  classical  and  topogra- 
"  phical  Survey  of  the  Ruins  of  that  celebrated  City."  4to.  1797.  It  is 
a  pleasing  and  most  judicious  performance  of  a  Gentleman  \vho  appears 
to  have  enjoyed  the  united  advantages  of  foreign  travel,  studious  leisure, 
and  polite  company. 

t  Two  celebrated  architects.  The  professional  knowledge  of  Sir 
W.  Chambers,  Knight,  (of  most  heroic  memory)  was  profound  and  sub- 
stantial. Mr.  Soane  has  more  fancy  and  airiness  of  design,  and  is  cer- 
tainly a  man  of  information  and  ingenuity.  But  he  indulges  himself  a 
little  too  much  in  extravaganzas  and  ivhinis.      See  the  Bank. 

u  I  am  obliged  for  this  information  to  a  Fellow  of  the  S.  cf  Anti- 
quaries....Mr.  Carter  is  a  draftsman  of  the  verv  first  merit,  but  his  catlio'ic 
zeal  betraved  him,  assisted  by  some  Jhrosopbists  oi  tlie  Society,  to  attack 
THE  FIRST  GENIUS  IK  ARCHITECTURE,  in  this  kingdom,  Mr.  Wyatt. 
Longa  est  injuria:  longK  ambages.  It  is  difficult  to  prove  that  the  So- 
ciety of  Antiquaries  was  instituted,  solely  to  preserve  the  purity  of  Gotliic 
Atchitecture  or  to  listen  to  the  tiresome  cabals  of  bu=:y  Baronets  and 
meddling  Romish  priests.... But  to  us,  under  the  auspices  cf  Wyatt, 

O  Fortunati  quorum  pia  tecta  resurguntl 

^neis  ait,  et  fastigia  suspicit  urbis.     (November  1797.) 


[      283      ] 

And  oft  in  thought,  by  antique  pavements  laid, 
With  Lysons  "^  guide  the  mihtary  spade ; 
And  once,  for  purer  air  o'er  rural  ground, 
With  little  Daniel  >  went  his  twelve  miles  round. 


X  SaniiK-]  Lysons,  Esq.  F.  R.  S.  and  A.  S.  The  most  judicicus,  best 
informed,  and  most  learned  amateur  Antiquary  in  this  kingdom,  in  his 
department.  Do  lubcns  manus  Yitruvio.  His  work  on  the  remains  of 
the  Roman  Villa  and  pavements  at  Woodchester,  near  Gloucester,  (which 
a  friend  has  just  shewn  me)  is  such  a  specimen  of  ingenuity,  unwearied 
zeal,  and  critical  accuracy  in  delineating  and  illustrating  the  fragments 
of  antiquity,  as  rarely  has  been  equalled,  certainly  never  surpassed.  Kis 
Majesty  was  so  pleased  with  some  of  Mr.  Lysons's  attempts  (near  Dor- 
chester I  think,)  tliat  a  party  of  the  militia  was  detached  to  assist  him  in 
digging  among  tlie  ruins.  A  friend  of  mine  was  much  entertained  with 
the  three  tents  erected  on  the  spot,  and  a  detachment  of  soldiers  storming 
a  fort  underground,  under  the  orders  of  an  Antiquary.  Hence  my  allu- 
sion to  the  military  spade,— Of  the  genius,  judgment,  knowledge,  and 
perseverance  of  this  Gentleman  in  the  department  he  has  undertaken,  it 
is  difficult  to  speak  in  terms  of  sufficient  approbation.   (November,  1797.) 

y  The  Reverend  Daniel  Lysoiis,  M.  A.  the  brother  of  Samuel  Ly- 
sons, Esq.  An  ingenious  and  diligent  Antiquary,  but  of  an  inferior 
class ;  1  mean  as  to  the  respective  subjects  of  their  works.  He  is  author 
of  The  Environs,  twelve  miles  round  London.  But  really  in  these  hard 
times.  Four  large  Volumes  in  4to.  ivire-tvove  and  hot-pressed,  and  Six 
Guineas  paid  down  on  the  table,  and  the  books  unbound,  (and  an  appen- 
dix threatened)  are  rather  too  much  for  parish-registers,  births,  deaths, 
and  marriages,  or  even  for  the  delights  of  Islington,  Homerton,  Hackney, 
Clapton,  Acton,  and  all  the  rural  retreats  of  City  innocence  and  pure  air, 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Town.  The  work  should  have  been  printed  in 
8vo.  My  only  objection  is  to  the  typographic  pomp  and  expense  of  a 
book  on  such  a  subject.  I  think  most  persons  will  agree  with  me.  (No- 
vember, 1797.) 


[      284      ] 

On  Sundays  at  Sir  Joseph's  ^  never  fail'cl, 

So  regular,  you  might  have  thought  him  bail'd. 

With  Jones  a  hnguist,  Sanscrit,  Greek,  or  Manks, 

And  could  with  Watson  play  some  chemic  pranks; 

Yet  far  too  wise  to  roast  a  diamond  ^  whole, 

And  for  a  treasure  find  at  last  a  coal. 

Would  sometimes  treat,  his  wines  of  chosen  sort; 

Will  Pitt,  with  honest  Harry,  lov'd  his  ^'  port ;  3 10 


z  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  Bart.  Knight  of  the  Bath,  President  of  the 
Royal  Society,  Privy  Chancellor,  See.  Sec.  has  instituted  a  meeting  at  his 
house  in  Soho  Square,  every  Sunday  evening,  at  which  the  Literati  and 
men  of  rank  and  consequence,  and  men  of  no  consequence  at  all,  find 
equally  a  polite  and  pleasing  reception  from  that  justly  distinguished  Gen- 
tleman. Sir  Joseph  Banks  is  fitted  for  his  station  in  the  learned  world 
not  more  from  his  attainments  and  the  liberality  of  his  mind,  than  by  his 
particular  awd  unremitted  attention  to  the  interest  and  advancement  of 
natural  knowledge,  and  his  generous  patronage  of  the  Arts. 

FORTUNE   MAJORIS   HONOS,    ERECTUb   ET   ACEr!* 

a  The  ingenious  Mr.  Tenant  has  shewn,  in  a  paper  read  at  the 
Royal  Society,  that  he  can  reduce  a  Diamond  by  evaporation  to  Charcoal. 
I  hear  Mrs.  Hastings,  and  other  great  possessors  of  diamonds,  have  a 
kind  of  Tenanto-pbobia^  and  are  shy  of  this  gentleman.  A  poor  Poet ^ 
like  myielf,  w4io  has  neither  diamonds  nor  any  thing  precious  belonging 
to  him,  can  only  remind  Mr.  Tenant  and  the  Royal  Society  of  ihe  old 
proverb,  "  Carbonem  pro  T/jcsauro." 

b  I  can  give  no  better  character  of  his  old  Port. — We  all  know  on 
3uch  occasions,  "  Baccbum  in  reniotis  rtipibus"  is  the  song  of  honest 
Harry  Dundas,  in  all  the  wildness  of  bigbland  Dithyrambic;  while  Mr. 

*  Claudian. 


[      285      ] 

The  Bengal  Squad  '^  he  fed,  though  wondrous  nice, 

Baring  his  currie  took,  and  Scott  his  rice. 

In  Scrip :  not  Hemings'  "^  self  more  vers'd  than  he, 

The  Solomons,  or  Nathan,  or  E.  P.; 

Loyal  and  open,  liberal  of  cash, 

(Not  your  damn'd  dollars  ^  or  Bank-paper  trash) 

Pitt,   on    the   battlements  of  Walmer,    in  his   own   and  Virgil's    sober 
majesty,  "  oceako  licemus,  ait." 

c  "  Privatis  ni:ijora  focis." — I  can  have  nothing  to  say  to  them. 
Dr.  Morosophos,  was  bolder  than  I  can  venture  to  be.  I  c«uld  write 
down  a  pleasant  collection.  Several  of  them  are  Reformers,  Mr.  Philip 
Francis,  little  Michael  Angelo,  Sec.  Sec.  Sec.  but  none  of  them  are  disposed 
to  extend  the  question  of  Reform  in  a  more  important  department. 

D'ou  ce  Visage  enfin,  plus  pale  qu'un  Rentier, 

A  Taspect  d'un  arret  *  qui  retrancbe  un  quartier? 

Qiii  vous  a  pu  plonger  dans  cet  humeur  chagrine? 

A-t-on par  quelque  edit  reforme  la  cuisine?  Boilcau,  Sat.  3. 
d  Dr.  Morosophos  now  and  then  dabbled  in  the  funds.  The  Gentle- 
men of  the  stock  Exchange,  or  the  College,  (as  it  is  termed  in  City-wit)  are 
much  indebted  to  that  eminent  calculator  of  the  different  payments,  Mr. 
Hemings.  Boyd,  Benfield,  Solomon  Solomon,  Nathan  Solomon,  E.  P. 
Solomon,  Thelusson,  Old  Daniel  Giles,  Mr.  Battie,  Lord  Linsdowne, 
Dr.  Moore,  Little  Count  Rupee,  and  all  those  who  look  an  eighth  better  or 
nvorse  for  the  opening,  know  that  I  am  wright,  in  pronouncing  the  pane- 
gyric of  this  learned  classic  on  the  Stock  Exchange. 

"  Prens  moi  le  bon  parti ;  laisse  la  tous  les  livres. 

"  Exerce-toi,  mon  fils, dans  ces  hautes  sciences; 

"■  Prens,  an  lieu  d'un  Platon,  ce  Guidon  des  Finances." 

Avis  de  Boileau,  Sat.  8. 

*  Mr.  Pitt  is  supposed  to  have  taken  his  hint  of  the  quadruple  tsscss- 
mcnt  from  Boileau,  and  to  have  improved  upon  it. 


[      286      ] 

Nor  tax,  nor  loan  he  fear'd,  at  table  free, 
And  drank  the  Minister  with  three  times  three;  ^ 
Till  with  a  pun  old  Caleb  ^  crown'd  the  whole, 
"  Consols^  and  not  philosophy,  console.'"  320 

He  talk'd,  like  Indian  ^'  Rennell,  rather  long; 
And  would  at  times  regale  you  with  a  song: 
But  seldom  that ;  in  music  though  a  prig, 
The  little  Doctor  swell'd  andlook'dsobig: 
Nay  to  Greek '  notes  would  trill  a  Grecian  ode. 
In  diatonic  kind  and  Lydian  mode, 

e  This  verse  was  f^vidently  written  after  the  26th  ot"  Feb.  1797, 
after  the  order  of  Council  was  sent  to  the  Bank  of  England,  when  the 
whole  nation  was  made  to  pass  through  the  pillars  of  Hercules. 

f  Certainly  Dr.  Morosophos  did  this,  before  Mr.  Pitt  (fame 
rabicld  tri  A  guttur a pandens J  conceived  the  idea  of  the  triple  assessment, 
or,  perhaps,  three  times  three. — (Nov.  1797.)  Sir  Robert  Herries, 
though  no  great  poet,  understands  this  subject  better  than  I  do.  We 
read,  aurea  prima  sata  est  tetas,  et  vindice  nullo,  8cc.  Sec.  Ovid,  and 
compare  Sir  Robert's  very  sensible  Autumnal  Sketch  of  Finances  in  1 797. 
The  tiiits  of  Autumn  are  favourable  to  painters  of  sketches.  See  also, 
"•  An  Address  to  Mr.  Pitt  on  the  Triple  Assessment." 

g  Caleb  Whltefoord,  Esq. — N.  B.  If  you  do  but  touch  him,  puns  stand 
as  ready  as  quills  upon  the  fretful  porcupine.  I  wish  him  health  and 
spirits  for  many  a  year,  in  a  green  old  age;  and  then  with  the  Epinicion 
of  Horace,  Vita  ccdat,  mi  conviva  satur. 

h  Major  James  Rennell,  the  great  Geographer  of  India,  0  ti-xvv. 
A  gentleman  to  whose  accuracy  and  extent  of  knowledge  this  country  is 
considerably  indebted.      But  this  has  nothing  to  do  ivith  his  conversation. 

i  Dr.  Morosophos,  the  man  of  metliod,  was  rather  troublesome  to 
his  friends   on   this   subject  of  Greek   Music.      He   wished  to  pass  for 


[      287      3 

And  then  with  Burney,  as  his  fit  grevNT  warmer, 
Convers'd  of  Stentor  the  great  '  throat  performer; 
And  with  Raimondi's  fire,   and  warUke  art, 
Play'd  some  French  General's  obligato  ^^  part.  330 

another  Meibomius.  Bat  there  is  stiii  reason  to  think  that  he  never  saw 
the  three  hymns  to  Calliope,  Apollo,  and  Nemesis,  printed  with  the 
Greek  musical  notes  to  which  they  were  sum,-,  at  the  end  of  the  Oxford 
edition  of  Aratus  in  1672,  by  Dr.  Fell,  or  the  more  accurate  copy  of  these 
hymns  in  Mr.  Burette's  Memoire  on  this  subject.  Menioires  de  I'Acade- 
mie  des  Inscriptions  To'.r..  5. — Dr.  Morcsophos  knew  but  little  of  the 
system  of  the  Lydian  mode  in  the  diatonic  gc-nus.  There  is  also  reason 
to  think  that  he  knew  as  little,  as  Bishop  Horsley,  of  the  npairA««S«»3j«jy9j, 
the  T-TfliT?!  v~a,ruy.f  or  the  Tlcff-jTrxrvi  ft-icuy,    5v;c. 

k  "  Stentor  is  celebrated  by  Homer  as  the  most  illustrious  t.bro::*- 
^er/brwc-r  of  antiquity."    Burney's  Hist,  of  Music  4to.  vol.  r.  p.  :;50. 

kk  I  allude  to  Signer  Raimoiidi's  exquisite  and  interesting  piece  of 
insti-umental  music  intended  to  express  a  rattle.  It  :s  called  A  Bat- 
tle Symphoni".  It  consists  of  eight  different  movements,  in  which 
Genera!  Raimondi  powerfully  calls  on  the  imagination  of  the  hearer 
to  assist  the  composer.  The  third  movement  amuses  and  alarms  m.e  the 
most.  "  It  announces  The  Council  of  War^  composed  of  Eight  Gene- 
"  rals.  represented  by  EighT  different  issTrcaiekts  ooiigati,  which 
"  at  last,  in  their  accord,  in  a  general  cadence,  express  Their  unani- 
*'  Mous  RESOLUTION  OF  GIVING  BattleI"  Bravo,  Maestro ! ! !  E  Gu- 
glielmi  cbe  ti  to  dice.  In  this  manner,  Dumourier,  Custine,  Pichegru, 
Miranda,  Hoche,  Berthier,  Angereau,  and  Buonaparte,  have  each  played 
their  o'jligato  parts  in  Europe,  as  assigned  themi,  con  fur ia,  by  the  Con- 
vention and  the  musical  Directory  of  France.  Europe  has  by  no  means 
approved  of  the  general  cadence:  but  The  Qoncert  is  still  proceeding-  in 
all  the  harmony  of  horror  and  barbaric  symphony. 

Rendono  un  alto  suon,  ch'  a  quel  s'accorda 
Con  che  i  vicin  cadtndo  il  Nilo  assorda  !* 

*  Ariosto.  O.  Furioio.  L.  16. 


[      288      ] 

Banks  ^  gave  him  morning  lessons  how  to  dress, 

And  Morgan  '"  whisper'd  courage  and  finesse. 

A  Poet  too  he  was,  not  very  bright, 

Something  between  a  Jerningham  and  "  Knight: 

He  dealt  in  tragic,  epic,  critic  lore, 

V/ith  half,  whole  plans,  and  episodes  in  store, 

Method  was  all;  yet  would  he  seldom  write, 

He  fear'd  the  ground-plot  wrong,  or — out  of  sight. 

At  last  THE  Doctor  gave  his  friends  av/orkl  339 

(Not  verse,  like  Cowper,  or  high  prose,  like  Burke,) 

Chambers  abridg'd  !  in  sooth  'twas  all  he  read, 

From  fruitful  A  to  unproductive  Zed. 

But  with  respect  to  Great  Britain,  I  hope  and  trust  that  a  Sand  of  our 
own  British  musicians  will  put  to  silence  and  dronvn  all  their  obligata  parts 
on  their  citizen  rafts  and  barges,  by  a  general  cadence,  and  a  wcU- 
executed,  masterly,  choral  performance  of  our  oifn  IVai'er  Music. 
(February,  1798.) 

1  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  Bart.  Sec.  I  speak  only  of  "  3Iorning  habili- 
"  ments." 

m  Maurice  Morgan,  Esq.  an  ingenious  writer,  author  of  the  pleasant 
Extravaganza  on  tlie  Courage  of  Sir  John  Falstaff.  Mr.  Morgan  is  known 
to  his  friends  by  the  name  of  Sir  John.  In  his  politics,  he  is  of  the  Lans- 
doivn  School. 

n       Knight  and  Jerningham. 

"  Soycz  pliitot  mafjn,  si  c'est  votre  talent, 

"  Ouvrier  estinie  dans  un  art  necessaire, 

"  ^  ^ffcrivain  du  commnn,  et  p'o'ete  vulgaire.'" 

Avis  de  Boileau,  A.  P.  ch.  4. 


[      289      ] 
OCTAVIUS. 

What  then?  forever  shall  we  wildly  stray, 

And  pluck  each  hare-bell  in  the  flow'ry  way. 

Or  void  of  judgment,  fire,  or  critic  force. 

Stoop  to  each  golden  apple  in  the  course  ? 

I  never  can  with  argument  dispense ; 

Pope  gave  the  verse,  but  Warburton  °  the  sense. 

AUTHOR. 

'Tis  true ;  by  plan  and  syllabus  ?  confin'd. 
Knight  thus  composes  first  the  reader's  mind.  350 
To  rouse  attention  is  the  poet's  art. 
Knight  calls  to  sleep,  and  acts  a  civil  part, 
Save  to  his  view  when  foul  Priapus  "^  rose, 
He  wak'd  to  lust,  in  stimulating  prose. 


o  Octavious  is  right  in  some  degree.  The  commentary  of  Warbur- 
ton on  Pope's  moi-al  Poems  is  peculiarly  valuable,  and  explains  many 
seeming  inconsistencies.     Pope  thought  so  himself. 

p  Par  classes  et  par  titres, 

Dogmatizer  en  vers  et  rim.er  par  chapitres.  Bolleau  Sat.  8.  115. 

q     Concerning  Mr.  Knight's  Treatise  on  the  Worship  of  Priapus,  in 

addition  to  what  I  before  said  (P.  of  L.  Dial.  i.  v.  134.  Note  (g)  I  shall 

offer  the  spirited  words  of  Clemens  Alexandrlnui,  from  liis  Aayes  nperps- 

O  o 


[     290     ] 

But  though  that  Garcleti-God  forsaken  dies; 
Another  Cleland  *"  see  in  Lewis  ^  rise. 


VTiKcg  iig  rug  EXXr.va;,  or  '■'•Admonitio  ad  Gentes:"  "T«4yT«s  vfiojii  tijj 
*'  ii'^vTrcifiimg  zu,  £ip%sryT«,    'xtiTOL'.  rng  vkpicoi  kt   CioXoymi.,   ctvrat  ruv  a-vuTro- 

"  avivovfoiv    vuiv    ©emv    «<    oioctG'x.uAicci' Tlei»K7iiei,     r.c.i   yvfivxt   y.ooctt,    y.cci 

**  MOPIQN  ENTA2EI2  nraig  yi^x.'^oi.ii  ei7royv/u.v^f^'acci:  —  HT«<pi);tsv  vutv  rot, 
"  UTU,,  ■:rir6cvivx.ci<y-tv  n  i)!piciXf.ioi,  ui  c^/ag  /Liifzeii-j^^zvy.xa-t.  D,  ^tatruuivoi  rov 
"  xvhi^TroD,  y.ui  ro  ivhov  ra  rrXx7f/.uroi  iXiyicn  ctTrxji^avregl  xtA." — Clem. 
Alex.  Edit.  Commelin.  1616,  p.3o,  Sec. — 1  now  dismiss  this  odious  Trea- 
tise on  Priapus  forever. — N.  B.  The  learned  reader  will  recollect  that 
Clemens  Alexandrinus  lived  in  the  third  century  under  Alexander  Severus 
and  Caracalla,  was  a  native  of  Athens,  and  that  the  famous  Origen  studied 
in  his  school. 

r  John  Cleland,  author  of  "  The  Memoirs  of  a  Woman  of  Plea- 
"  sure." 

s  M.  Lewis,  Esq.  M.  P.  author  of  "  The  Monk  a  Romance,  in  3 
"  Vols."  (Vol.  2.  Ch.  6.  and  7.)  See  my  observations  at  length  in  the 
preface  to  this  Fourth  Dial,  of  the  P.  of  L. — The  publication  of  this 
novel  by  a  Member  of  Parliament  is  in  itself  so  serious  an  offence  to  the 
public,  that  I  know  not  how  the  author  can  repair  this  breach  of  public 
decency,  but  by  suppressing  it  himself.  Or  he  might  omit  the  indecent 
and  blasphemous  passages  in  another  edition ;  there  is  neither  genius  nor 
•wit  In  them,  and  the  work  as  a  composition  would  receive  great  advantage. 
I  wish  he  may  at  least  take  this  advice.  I  will  give  Mr.  Lewis  an 
extract  from  the  ninth  book  of  the  History  of  Procopiiis,  called  the 
Historia  Arcana  of  the  emperor  Justinian  and  the  Infamous  Theodora. 
The  words  are  these. 

"  AXXo  Ti /aoi  ivdiiv  -/jCk?  7rioiy,)iyijU,cviviycii  tmoi  th  AvSpuTra  ovd'  criovv  o(f/.xt. 
"  ATcivra  yea  avTiS  ret  tji;  '■pv^yf;  -Trx^n  »Te;  asv  ccho^^iug  c-yif/y^vxi  oiapKug  tivj. 
"  Etts*  oa-Ti^,  xXoy/ia-ag  rA\  vTrsfi  rt)t  itirrpoiyfAivm  tjjv  o(.K7y,vvfcit  a*-  u-rcc^ioT  roii 
''  ivTvyy,ix.v^i7i  S5£/\ypoj  (pcuvia-Seti,  ryrn)  e/i  adi/xicc  vx^xvoutug  xrxp-roi;  unxrcq' 
*'  xX>.x  rnv  xvxi2iixv  an  t»  f^iTU7r\i  rrfooiZXyiimvo;,  pxs^rx  ri  y-xi  KOiv<  -ttovu  i% 
*'  T«v  5rpst|=*'i'  T«?  (iixotiirxTxc  ^aipn."  Procop.  Histor.  Artan.  Lib.  9.  p. 


C     291     ] 

Why  sleep  the  ministers  of  truth  and  law  ? 
Has  the  State  no  controul,  no  decent  awe, 


46.  Ed.  Fol.  LuQ,clun.  1623.— I  "W'sh  Mr.  Lewis  may  read  and  profit  from 
this  passage.     (July  1797.) 

Novels  of  this  seductive  and  libidinous  tendency  excite  disgust,  fear 
and  horror,  in  every  man  and  woman  who  reflect  upon  thoje  virtues  which 
alone  give  support,  comfort  and  continuance,  to  human  Society.  The 
interests  of  society  and  the  essential  welfare,  and  even  the  very  existence, 
of  this  kingdom,  authorise  any  man,  though  conscious  of  manifold  frailties, 
to  speak  in  the  manner  I  have  done.  For  we  cannot  long  deceive 
ourselves.  Poetical  men,  of  loose  and  ungoverned  morals,  can  offer  to  us 
or  to  themselves  but  feeble  consolations  from  wit  and  imager)'',  when 
left  to  solitary  reflection  and  the  agony  of  remorse.  I  never  found  this 
subject  so  well  represented,  and  so  unanswerablv  enforced  to  everj' under- 
standing, capable  of  recalling  itself  from  vicious  conduct  and  irrecrular 
inclinations,  as  in  this  short  sentence :  "  Whoever  v^holly  give  themselves 
"  tip  to  Lust,  ivillsoonf.nd  it  to  be  the  least  fault  they  are  guilty  of." 

In  this  place  I  cannot  help  recommending,  with  peculiar  earnestness, 
the  attentive  perusal  of  one  of  the  most  instructive  and  useful  short  pieces 
of  Biography  which  I  ever  read,  in  the  life  of  Dr.  Johnson,  by  the  learned  ■ 

Sir  John  Hawkins:    from  p.  222  top.  232.      It  is  particularly  important 
to  many  young   men  who  live  in  the  allurements  of  a  great   and  high- 
viced  town,  or  among  freethinking  literati  and  the  more  calm  and  sober         \ 
Sensualists.     It  is  the  account  of  J/r.  John  Dyer,  a  man  of  genius,  polite-  | 

ness  and  learning.     The  conclusion  of  it  in  the  words  of  Sir  John  Haw-  •. 

kins  is  veiy  impressive.     "  I  have  been  thus  particular  in  the  history  of  I 

"  this  accomplished  and  hopeful  young  man,  whom  I  once  loved  with  the  \ 

"  affection  of  a  brother,  with  a  view  to  shew  the  tendency  of  idleness,  and  > 

"  to  point  out  at  what  avenue  Vice  may  gain  admittance  in  minds  seemingly  f 

"  the  most  strongly  fortified.     The  assailable  part  of  hi=;  mind  was  laxity  | 

"  of  principle ;   at  this  entered  infidelity,  which  was  followed  by  such  / 

"  temptations  to  pleasure  as  he  could  see  no  reason  to  resist.     These  led  on  | 


[     292      ] 

While  eaph  with  each  in  madd'ning  orgies  vie, 
Pandars  to  lust  and  licens'd  blasphemy?  360 

Can  Senates  hear  without  a  kindred  rage  ? 
Oh  may  a  poet's  light'ning  blast  the  page, 
Nor  with  the  bolt  of  Nemesis  in  vain 
Supply  the  laws,  that  wake  not  to  restrain. 

Is  ignorance  the  plea?  since  Blackstone  drew 
The  lucid  chart,  each  labyrinth  has  a  clue. 
Each  law  an  index :   students  aptly  turn 
To  Williams,  Hale,  judicious  *  Cox,  and  Burn; 
Obscenity  has  now^  her  code  and  priest. 
While  Anarchy  prepares  the  dire  Digest.  370 


"  desires  after  the  means  of  gratification,  and  the  pursuit  of  them  was 
"  his  destruction." 

To  conclude.  Whatever  I  have  said  on  the  subject  of  this  Novel, 
called  THE  Monk,  I  shall  leave  as  matter  of  record,  whether  the  Novel 
is  altered,  or  not.  The  tenor  of  the  whole  is  reprehensible.  I  leave  it  as 
a  protest  against  such  a  work,  published  in  such  a  manner,  by  a  Gentle- 
man in  the  high,  honourable,  and  responsible  station  of  a  Member  of 
Parliament.  It  is  hoped  and  expected  that  no  similar  work  will  ever 
again  be  given  to  this  country.    (Added  November,  1797.) 

t  Samuel  Cox,  Esq.  of  the  Court  of  Chancery,  the  Editor  (at  his 
leisure  hours)  of  the  reports  of  Pcere  Williams.  I  am  not  very  coversant 
with  professional  law  books,  but  a  learned  person  shewed  me  Mr.  Cox's 
mode  of  illustration,  and  desired  me  to  consider  it.  I  really  think,  it 
seems  as  a  model  for  all  future  Editors  of  Rejxirts  of  former  years.  This 
plan  is  evidently  the  mode  of  a  most  judicious  understanding  and  of  a 
well-read  Lawyer.     Transeat  in  exemplum! 


[      293      ] 

Methinks  as  in  a  theatre  I  stand, 
Where  Vice  and  Folly  saunter  hand  in  hand, 
With  each  strange  form  in  motley  masquerade, 
Featur'd  grimace,  and  impudence  pourtray'd ; 
While  Virtue,  hov'ring  o'er  th'  unhallow'd  room, 
Seems  a  dim  speck  thro'  Sin's  surrounding  gloom. 
As  thro'  the  smoak-soil'd  glass  "  we  spy  from  far 
The  circling  radiance  of  the  Sirian  Star, 
Faint  wax  the  beams,  if  strong  the  fumy  tint. 
Till  the  star  fades,  a  mathematic  point.  380 

Sure  from  the  womb  I  was  untimely  torn. 
Or  in  some  rude  inclement  season  born; 
The  State  turns  harsh  on  fortune's  grating  hinge, 
And  I  untaught  to  beg,  or  crouch,  or  cringe. 
For  me  the  fates  no  golden  texture  weave. 
Though  happier  far  to  give  than  to  receive : 
Yet  with  unvaulting  sober  wishes  blest. 
Ambition  fled  with  envy  from  my  breast; 


u  "  If  the  eye-glass  be  tincted  faintly  with  the  smoke  of  a  lamp  or 
"  torch  to  obscure  the  light  of  the  star,  the  fainter  light  in  the  circum- 
"  ference  of  the  star  ceases  to  be  visible,  and  the  star  (if  the  glass  be 
"  sufficiently  soiled  with  smoke)  appears  something  more  like  a  mathe- 
"  raatic  point."         Newton's  Optics,  Prop.  7,  Theor.  6. 


X 


[     294     ] 

For  friendship  form'd,  I  feel,  in  realms  above, 

My  Saturn  temper 'd  by  the  beam  of  Jove.        390 

I  cannot,  will  not,  stoop  with  boys  to  rise. 

And  seize  on  Pitt,  like  Canning,  ''  by  surprise,  ^^ 

Be  led  through  Treasury  vaults  in  airy  dance. 

And  flatter'd  into  insignificance. 

I  cannot,  will  not,  in  a  college  gown. 

Vent  ray  first  nonsense  on  a  patient  town, 

Quit  the  dull  Cam,  and  ponder  in  the  park 

A  six-weeks  Epic,  >'  or  a  Joan  of  Arc. 

I  leave  these  early  transports,  and  the  calm 

Complacence,  and  the  softly  trickling  balm      400 


X  George  Canning,  Esq.  M.  P.  Under  Secretary'  of  State,  an  Etonian 
of  much  ingenuity,  liveliness,  and  learning. 

XX  The  Novels,  Farces,  most  of  the  Plays,  Romances,  Ballads,  and 
Pantomimes,  of  the  day,  are  all  founded  on — Surprise.  Why  not  the 
ministerial  Coups  de  Theatre? 

y  Robert  Soathy,  anthor  of  many  ingenious  pieces  of  poetry  of  great 
promise,  if  the  young  gentleman  would  recollect  what  old  Chaucer  says 
of  poetry, 

"  'Tis  every  dele 
"  A  rock  of  ice  and  not  of  steel." 

He  gave  the  public  a  long  quarto  volume  of  epic  verses,  Joan  of  Arc 
written,  as  he  says  in  the  preface,  in  six  weeks.  Had  he  meant  to  write 
well,  he  should  have  kept  it  at  least  six  years. — I  mention  this,  for  I  have 
been  much  pleased  with  many  of  the  young  gentleman's  little  copies  of 
verses.     I  wish  also  that  he  would  review  some  of  bis  principles. 


[      295      ] 

Self-consolation  sheds !  more  sweet  than  all 
Burke  felt  in  senates,  or  Impeachment's  Hall ; 
Borne  to  that  course,  where  thund' ring  from  afar 
The  Great  Auruncian  ^  drove  his  primal  car. 

E'en  now,  when  all  I  view  aflfl.icts  my  sight, 
All  that  Home  Tooke  ^  can  plot,  or  Godwin  ^  write ; 


z     Lucllius. 

a  Mr.  HoRNE  Tooke,  in  the  conclusion  of  his  "  Diversions  of 
"  Purley,"  makes  an  apology  for  applying  himself  to  subjects  so  trivial  as 
grammatical  discussions,  in  the  year  1786.  He  uses  the  words  of  an 
Italian  poet,  which  are  very  remarkable,  though  they  never  have  been 
much  noticed. 

"  Perche  altrove  non  have 

"  Dove  voltare  il  viso, 

"  Che  gli  e  stato  interciso 

"  Mostrar  con  ALfRE  imprese  altra  virtude." 

The  hour  was  however  approaching,  when  his  countenance  was  to  be  turn' 
ed  to  other  thoughts,  and  he  was  to  display  other  talents  which  had  almost 
slept  since  tlie  time  of  Junius.  At  the  blast  of  the  French  revolution  he 
awoke  from  grammatical  slumber,  and  found  that  other  enterprises  await- 
ed him.  We  have  traced  his  proceedings  till  his  trial  at  the  Old  Bailey 
for  high  treason,  November  4,  1794.  His  plans  were  unfolded,  and 
though  he  was  acquitted,  and  "  Execution  was  not  done  on  Cawdor,"  yet 
it  is  not  impossible  that  hereafter,  (after  his  decease,)  some  honest  chro^ 
nicler  may  be  found, 

"  Who  will  report  (in  private) 
"  That  very  frankly  he  confess'd  his  treasons^ 
"  Implor'd  his  country's  pardon,  and  set  forth 
"  A  deep  repentance."  (Macbeth.) 


[      296      ] 

Now  when  Translation  to  a  pest  is  grown, 
And  Holcroff^to  French  treason  adds  his  own; 
When  Galhc  Diderot  in  vain  we  shun, 
His  blasted  pencil.  Fatalist,  *^  and  Nun;  410 

When  St.  Pol  ^  sounds  the  sacring  bell,  that  calls 
His  Priests  en  masse  from  Charles's  ruin'd  walls; 


Till  that  hour  arrives,  I  shall  wait  for  the  continuation  of  his  grammatical 
researches,  which  are  promised  to  the  world,  with  the  celebrated  wisli  of 
the  Satirist, 

Ut  vellem  his  potius  nugis  tota  ilia  dedisset 

TeMPORA    SiEVITI^El 

From  the  abilities  and  uncommon  erudition  of  Mr.  Home  Tooke  I  dread 
mucli,  and  from  the  calmness  and  mildness  of  his  conversation  I  should  ap- 
prehend perhaps  more.  But  as  I  think  the  whole  Kingdom  is  fully,  and  deep- 
ly, and  solemnly,  and  unalterably  impressed  with  the  nature,  the  malignity, 
the  extent,  the  influence,  and  the  terror  of  the  grand  Revolutionary  Prin- 
ciple, and  the  desperate  fury  of  Reforming  societies  and  embodied  factions, 
I  trust  Great  Britain  and  her  Ministers  will  never  suiFer  the  arm  of  justice 
and  of  vigilance  to  remit  or  to  relax  its  energies.  (November,  1797.) 

b  See  an  account  of  this  weak  and  contemptible  writer,  William 
Godwin,  and  his  Political  Justice.^  in  Dialogue  III.  of  the  P.  of  L. — See 
also  a  future  note  in  this  part  of  the  Poem. 

c  Thomas  Holcroft. — An  author,  translator  of  plays  and  novels,  and 
a  nvould-be  directing  Statesman,  tried  for  High  Treason  at  the  Old  Bailey 
in  1794,  and  acquitted.  He  is  also  one  of  the  Clairvoyans,  and  of  the 
order  of  the  Chevaliers  des  Lunettes  in  the  meridian  of  Hyde  Park.  Home 
/$  Tooke  cannot  be  much  pleased  with  this  compeer.  Scurra  degrunnit  prior. 
Sec  the  fable.  (1797O 

d  The  names  of  his  posthumous  novels,  translated  for  the  benefit  of 
Great  Britain. 

e  The  Bishop  of  St.  Pol.  de  Leon,  to  whom  the  care  of  the  French 
Emigrant  priests  is  committed  en  masse.     The  reader  may  recollect  they 


[     297      ] 

When  Thelwall,  ^  for  the  season,  quits  the  Strand 
To  organize  revolt  by  sea  and  land : 
When  Barristers  ^  turn  authors ;  authors  ^  prate ; 
Charles  Fox  allegiance  dares  to  calculate, 
And  with  his  sulph'rous  torch  relumes  the  pile 
With  unaverted  '  face,  and  ghastly  smile ;        418 


were  maintained  in  the  old  mansion  built  by  Charles  the  Second  at  Win- 
chester.—The  reader  niav  be  surprised,  but  he  will  find  by  the  papers 
laid  on  the  table  of  the  House  of  Commons,  on  the  21st  of  December, 
1796,  that  770  less  a  sum  than  540,000!.  was  issued  in  one  year  for  French 
priests  and  Emigrants,  sacred  and  profane. — Seethe  Preface  to  the  P.  of 
L.  Dialogue  IV. 

f  This  indefatigable  Incendiary  and  missionary  of  the  French  Pro- 
paganda, John  Thelwallj  has  now  his  Schools  of  Reason  in  country 
towns,    SiCC.  8cc.  Ili^ia-cw:;  ififixtvo/^tve^.   (1797O 

g  Mr.  Barrister  Erskine. — See  more  of  him  and  his  pamphlet  on 
the  French  war  in  a  future  note. 

h     I  refer  to  the  House  of  Commons. 

i  In  ancient  times  among  the  Romans,  when  the  public  ministers  oi^ 
funeral  obsequies  set  f  re  to  the  pile,  thej  turned  aside  tkeir  faces, 

Triste  ministerium  I  subjectam  more  parentum 

Aversi  tenuere  facem.  (Virg.  iEn.  6.) 

Not  so  the  Right  Honourable  Charles  James  Fox! 

As  Mr.  Fox  loves  Greek  and  reads  Greek,  (nugari  solitiis  Grace)  I 
will  give  my  opinion  of  Mr.  Fox's  tongue  and  eloquence  in  that  language. 

I  shall  then  say  of  it;    HrXutrs-et    ttv^   0    tcocrf^oi  tvi?  ocO!.Ki»/;,    it  a-Trthaa-x  iXot 

uKXTxe-^iray  x.nx.ov,  f.ii(rTn  (a  OxyxTA^ofH.  If  Mr.  Fox  would  attend  to 
THIS  Greek  author,  he  might  learn  the  x.xXyi  xyxirrfof/i,  and  the  -k^uvth 
rt^ix?.     Even  Mr.  Fox  may  possibly  read  what  I  saj. — As  Mr.  Fox  is 


[      298      ] 
Now  when,  beneath  the  dread  fraternal  ''  frown 


710W  (June  1797,)  studying  Mr.  Gibbon's  History,  he  will  find  niany  an 
instructive  lesson  for  his  public  conduct.  Mr.  Fox,  /  know  cannot  always 
construe  Mr.  Gibbon's  English,  and  is  in  the  habit  of  consulting-  his  friends 
on  the  meaning  of  many  passages  and  sentences;  but  without  much  suc- 
cess. His  friends  can  confirm  what  1  say,  if  they  think  proper.*  I  always 
feel  an  interest  in  Mr.  Fox's  studies,  whether  he  is  reading  Gibbon,  or 
culling  simples  on  St.  Ann's  Hill  with  Aspasia,  or  poring  on  the  Odyssey, 
in  lamentation  over  his  departed  friends  in  the  House  of  Commons,  in  the 
old  Bard's  language, 

AAA*  «5'  co;  Et:«p»?  ijifvcrxTO,    tiiA,ivc^  ^rsp.f 
But   his   Eroiifoi  or  Friends  are  said  to  have  left  him  onlj'  on  one  accat'.nt; 
his  good  humour  and  ability  have  never  forsaken  him..     The  account  is 
this,  deep,  short,  and  full: 

"  E7r2<  Tpeoij  tioov  TTTo^uiSpov  s;r»po-s.''| 
On  tliis  subject  I  would  notv,\\  add  a  remark  or  tv/o.  I  would  re- 
mind Mr.  Fox,  on  the  subject  of  Radical  Reform,  or  any  similar  subject, 
that  the  Historian  De  Bella  Civili  has  recorded  this  expression  of  Caius 
Gracchus;  "  A^p-jw?  THN  BOTAHN  fSenatum)  x.o'Jy\fr'ist."  The  Histo- 
rian proceeds  to  say,  than  wlien  thf.  measures  of  Caius  Gracchus  had 
been  tried  and  taken  ef'ect,  his  words  were  found  to  be  true.  "  Ta  S'spys^ 
'*  'zto'Uvroi  ES  riEIPAN,  f/.i^^ovu)?  in  iy,^ciw,vxi  re  STrej  ra  rpeoc^a — Tu^v 
"  Ti^ij)t7,y  ANEZTPAO0AI  TO  KPAT05  TilS  nOAITEIASlI!"**  Are 


*  Perh.aps  Mr.  Fox  nr^.y  understand  and  construe  the  following  sen- 
tence from  the  luminous  Historian.  "  An  aspiring  candidate  may  be 
*'  tempted  to  build  his  greatness  on  the  public  confusion,  but  it  is  the  inter- 
"  est  as  well  as  the  duty  of  the  Sovereign  to  maintain  the  authority  of 
"  the  laivs."  Gibbon,  Vol.  7,  p.  80,  Ed.  8vo. 

t  Od.  L.  1.         I  Od.  L.  i.v.  2.         II  March,   1798. 

*♦  Appian,  De  Bello  Civlli,  Lib.  i,  p.  363.  Edit.  H.  Steph.  1592. 


[      299      ] 
The  harp  revers'd  grates  discord  on  the  Crown  420 

tlie  woids  plain  to  this  learned  modern  Grecian?  Does  Mr.  Fox  under- 
stand? Let  me  also  add,  that  in  after  times  Toe  Tribune  Vatinius  con- 
ferred on  Casar  the  government  of  Cisalpine  Gaul;  and,  what  is  singular 
enough,  in  the  very  same  days  Gabinius,  a  Consul  of  profligate  character^ 
assured  the  people^  "  Errare  Gives,  si  tuni  Senatum  aliquid  In  Republica 
"  posse  arbitrabantur."  Cicero  Orat.  pro  Sext.  12 — See  the  great  Chapter 
De  Mutatis  Mutandis,  by  the  nf.w  Triumvirate  in  England.* 

Mirantur  taciti,  et  dueio  pro  fulmise  pendent.'i 

The  further  I  extend  my  researches,  political  or  historical,  the  less 
do  I  find  any  thing  which,  in  governments  and  states,  and  in  the  revolu- 
tions of  governments,  is  absolutely  new  in  kind,  but  in  degree,  new 
beyond  comparison.  But  as  to  the  objects  of  fear,  caution,  and  appre- 
hension, I  see  them  more  and  more ;  the  events  of  which  will  be  new  and 
terrible  indeed  to  Great  Britain,  if  we  do  not  find  mercy  in  this  day  of 
wrath,  horror,  and  convulsion.  Yet  I  think  I  see,  at  the  same  time, 
our  means  of  Defence  increased,  and  the  spirit,  generosity,  and  resolu- 
tion of  Our  Great  Nation  raised  and  animated  to  act,  as  one  man. 
If  ever  there  was  a  time,  when  the  Ministers  of  a  Country  might  feel  an 


*  Sir  R.  Walpole  spoke  with  spirit  on  the  Seceders  from  Parliament 
in  1742.  Mr.  Coxe  in  his  important  and  very  valuable  Memoirs  (and 
original  diplomatic  correspondence)  of  that  Minister,  observes  th:it,  "The 
"  consequence  of  this  measure  was  to  the  Seceders  disappointment  and 
"  speedy  repentance,  to  the  Ministers  satisfaction  and  triumph.  Tliey 
"  even  flattered  themselves  with  the  hopes  of  being  called  hack  to  their 
"  posts.  They  soon  experienced  the  ill  policy  of  their  conduct.  The 
"  nation  was  not  inflamed  by  their  conduct."  See  and  read  the  Memoirs, 
of  Sir  R.  Walpole.  Vol.  i.  4to,  page  606. — Mr.  Fox,  who,  as  well  as 
every  other  statesman,  will  certainly  peruse  this  curious  and  instructive 
work,  sliould  remember  a  saying  of  Lord  Bolingbroke  tb.e  enemy  and 
opposer  of  Walpole :  "  History  is  Philosophy  teaciiing  by  examples." 
(March  1798.) 

t  Stat.  Thebaid.  L.  10. 


[      300      ] 

When  Transatlantic  Emigrants  can  roam 
But  to  return,  and  praise  our  ^  English  home ; 
Now,  when  the  French  defend  us '  in  disgrace, 
French  swords,  French  fraud,  French  priests,  and 
French  grimace ; 


assiirmicc  within  themselves  that  The  gbnekal  principles,  on  which 
they  have  acted,  have  been  ju3t  and  justifiable,  and  that  they  might 
throw  themselves  on  the  judgment  of  their  Country;  in  my  opinion,  it  is 
the  present  hour.  The  state  of  Europe  has  proved  the  intentions  of 
France  from  the  first  moment  of  her  Revolution ;  and  every  historical 
document  daily  confirms  the  proof.  Though  I  profess  no  personal  predi- 
lection for  Mr.  Pitt,  yet  I  join  in  the  common  gratitude  for  his  firmness, 
unbending  and  inflexible  perseverance  m  general  principles,  which,  under 
Providence,  may  yet  prove  our  salvation.  Upon  very  serious  and  mature 
reflection,  I  feel  a  rooted  and  unconquerable  veneration  for  this  great  and 
transcendent  character. 

Ut  te,  fortissime  Teucrum, 
Accipio  agnoscoque  libens!  ut  verba  Parentis, 
Et  vocevi  Anchisce  magni  mentemqtie  recorder! 

ii  I  allude  to  ftiE  union  ov  French  Brotherhood  in  Ireland  with  tlielr 
Book  of  Death. — See  the  Reports  of  the  Irish  Parliamentary  Committee, 
and  the  memorable  speech  of  the  Right  Honourable  John  Earl  of  Clare, 
Lord  High  Chancellor  of  Ireland,  in  the  House  of  Lords  on  the  19th 
February,  1798,  on  the  motion  of  the  Earl  of  Moira.  (Re-printed, 
Wright,  Piccadilly.)  The  verbal  variations  of  the  editions  of  it  are  of 
little  consequence.  The  whole  of  it  should  be  read,  as  spoken  by  that 
eloquent,  learned,  well-informed,  patriotic,  and  undaunted  Statesman. 

k  Sec  Mr.  Cooper  of  Manchester's  Account  on  his  return  from 
America,  and  Letters  of  some  wandering  Journeyman  Weaver  or  Car- 
penver,  1  forget  which,  Sec.  &c.     "  Impudens  liqui  patrios  Penates,"  &c. 

1  I  allude  to  the  French  Emigrant  Regiments,  enrolled  in  the 
British  arniy.     Surely  this  is  a  measure  of  government  unwise,  and  ini- 


[     301      ] 

When  England  changes  arms — at  such  a  view 
Must  I  find  method^  verse,  and  patience  too  ? 
My  verse,  the  thunder  of  a  Patriot's  voice, 
Cries  loud  to  all  who  England  make  their  choice, 
"  Throw  wide  that  portal ;  let  no  Roman  wait,     429 
"  But  march  with  Priestly  thro'  the  dextral  ga.te.  ™ 


accountable  on  any  sound  principle ;  a  project  of  desperation,  one  would 
think.     Is  this  a  time  for  Englishmen  to  say, 

Mutemus  clypeos,  Danaumque  insignia  mobis 
Aptemus.  (July,   1797.) 

m  "  Through  the  dextral  gate  !" — My  allusion  is  this.  In  ancient 
times,  the  most  frequented  roads  to  the  city  of  Rome  had  double  gates. 
They  who  came  into  the  city  passed  through  the  left-hand  gate ;  and 
they  who  went  ouf  of  The  cifr  took  the  right-hand  gate.  See  Nardini 
Roma  Antica,  L.  10.  c.  9.  Pliny,  in  his  Natural  History,  in  the  chap- 
ter de  Roma^  Lib.  3.  c.  5,  speaking  of  the  gates  of  the  city,  says,  "  that 
"  twelve  of  the  thirty-seven  gates  should  only  be  numbered  once  (semel 
"  numerari)."  The  expression  is  odd,  but  it  alludes  to  such  of  those 
gates  as  were  double  in  this  sense.  This  was  not  unknown  in  other 
Italian  cities.  The  Porta  de'  Borsari  at  Verona  (in  the  opinion  of  the 
Marquese  Scipio  Maffei,  Verona  Illustrata,  Part  3.)  was  in  reality  a 
twin  or  double  gate,  though  it  has  been  mistaken  by  some  antiquaries 
for  an  arch  of  triumph. 

In  times  like  the  present,  I  would  never  shut  those  double  gates  in  any 
city,  when  the  turbulent,  discontented,  and  factious  wish  to  retire  into 
foreign  parts.  We  all  remember,  that  Sir  Arthur  Hazelrig,  John  Hamp- 
den, and  Oliver  Cromwell,  being  ready  to  sail  for  America,  were  sfor- 
PfjD  by  order  of  Council!  Hume's  words  are  ver)- strong  and  remark- 
able in  this  Lecturing  age.  "  They  (i.  e.  Hampden,  Hazelrig,  and 
"  Cromwell)  had  resolved  forever  to  abandon  their  native  country,  and 
"  fly  to  the  other  extremity  of  the  globe,  where  they  might  enjoy  lectures 


[      302     ] 
OCTAVIUS. 

Talk  thus,  e'enHorsley  shall  applaud:  proceed. 

AUTHOR. 

The  tears  that  Britam  sheds,  her  wounds  that  bleed, 
Call  for  a  fost'ring  hand,  the  balm  of  Peace  ; 
Not  styptics,  which  the  sanguine  tide  increase, 
Such  as  State-quacks,  or  Barristers  expose 
For  fame  and  sale,  and  sleeping  might  disclose. 
In  state  affairs  all  Barristers  are  dull, 
And  Erskine  nods,  the  opium  "  in  his  skull. 

"  and  discourses  of  any  length  or  form  that  pleased  them."  Mr.  Hume 
adds,  very  significantly,  "  The  King  had  afterwards  full  leisure  to  repent 
"  this  exercise  of  his  authority."  Hume's  Hist.  Vol.  6,  p.  c^ii,  Ed. 
8vo.    1773. 

n  Erskine. — Mr.  Barrister  Erskine  is  famous  for  taking  opium  in 
great  quaniities,  (I  have  often  heard  him  speak  in  praise  of  it)  and  if  he 
proceeds  in  this  manner,  it  is  apprehended  that  his  political  faculties  will 
die  of  too  large  a  dose,  of  which  there  are  many  symptoms  already.  But 
all  my  observations  are  confined  to  his  political  conduct  and  career.  They 
are  not  extended  to  his  professional  character,  which  is  great,  or  to  his 
private  life,  which  no  man  is  inclined  to  respect  more  than  myself.  But 
his  political  doctrines  are  plunging  and  dangerous.  Mr.  Erskine  has  in- 
formed tiie  public,  that  he  lias  not  the  talents  of  a  statesman,  which,  in 
common  with  the  kingdom  at  large,  I  readily  admit  as  a  part  of  my  politi- 
cal creed;  though  it  is  so  very  plain,  as  hardly  to  be  an  article  of  faith. 


[      303      ] 

Saw'st  thou,  (or  did  my  troubled  fancy  dream?) 
High  o'er  yon  diff,  in  majesty  supreme,  440 

In  his  late  flimsy  and  puerile  "  View  of  t!ie  (Causes  and  Consequences  of 
"  the  present  French  War,"*  he  comes  forth  to  the  public,  /^xXx.  Ta'PttrTixM? 
x»t  a-oZxfu?,  to  use  an  expression  from  I'hemistius ;  but  I  cannot  stile 
him  in  the  words  of  that  orator,  before  the  Emperor  Coustantius,  as  Aru(pn 

positively  will  not  translate  this  Greek,  either  for  the  Barrister  himself  or 
the  country  members,  or  the  electors  of  the  town  of  Portsmouth;  but  I 
shall  leave  it  to  be  rendered  faithfully  by  the  Reverend  Dr.  Parr,  or  Mr. 
Erskine's  language  master.  Indeed  in  this  age  we  require  nothing  but 
•what  we  call,  eloquence;  though  the  term  is  miserably  abused.  But  such 
as  it  is,  eloquence  in  the  political  v/orld  is  like  charity  in  the  Christian 
character;   without  it  a  man  is  counted  dead. 

In  ancient  times  however,  in  one  particular  there  v/as  a  great  and 
essential  difference  from  the  present.  Perhaps  it  may  not  be  without 
use  to  hint  or  remind  some  persons,  that  in  Greece  and  Athens,  "  apud 
"  Grecian"!,  (in  the  opinion  and  triumphant  language  of  Cicero,)*  qus 
"  semper  ELoqu?:NTi^  princeps  esse  voluit,  atque  illas  omnium 
*'  doctrinarum  inventrices  Athenas,  in  quibus  summa  dicendi  vis  et 
"  inventa  est  et  peufecta;"  in  Greece  and  Athens,  I  say,  Orators  and 
Barristers  were  never  permitted  to  make  any  epilogus  or  peroration  what- 
soever in  the  courts  of  law,  or  in  the  senate.  "  Epilogos  illi  mos  civitatls 
"  abstulerat,"  says  Qu^intilian  ;  (L.  lo.  c.  i.)  and  from  whom?  From 
Demosthenes.  On  which  passage  the  learned  Turnebus  observes,  "  Non 
"  Liccbat  Athenis  affectum  movere,  ac  ne  Epilogo  quidem  uti;"  and  yet 
Demosthenes  appeared  under  this  restriction.  What  does  Mr.  Erskine 
think:  Has  be  ever  read  the  Pleadings  for  the  Crown,  or  against  Midias, 
or  Hift  Ilu^ix,7rDtG-%,iiXi  ?| 

*  De  Orat.  L.  i.         f  1797. 
\  Themist.  Orat.  p.  3.  Ed.  fol.  Harduini,  1684. 

|]  Mr.  Erskine,  if  he  ever  read  this  last  oration,  may  perhaps  recol- 
lect the   allusion  to  the  Water-Clock,  by  which  the  length  of  public 


[      304      ] 

Vengeance  his  attribute,  (and,  as  he  trod, 
The  conscious  waves  roU'd  back!)  the  passing  God, 
That  shook  old  Ocean's  empire  ?  from  beneath 
Strange  threat'ningnotes  in  hollow  murmurs  breathe, 


Mr.  Eiskine  always  appears  to  me  below  his  natural  size,  when  he  speaks 
in  the  House  of  Commons.  I  have  too  often  disliked  ths  manner  and  the 
matter.  In  Westminster-Hall  he  is  Avithout  an  equal.  He  has  no  rival 
in  the  eloquence  adapted  to  the  Bar  and  a  Jury.  But  as  he  confesses  him- 
self no  Statesman,  he  should  have  spoken  with  more  modesty  and  defer- 
ence OH  political  subjects,  to  those  who  are  confessedly  great  statesmen  in 
the  esteem  of  the  country.  I  will  leave  in  Mr.  Erskine's  ear  the  words 
which  Demosthenes  thundered  against  Androtion.  It  cannot  however  be 
supposed  for  a  moment,  that  I  can  mean  to  compare  a  gentleman  of  genius 
and  distinction  like  Mr.  Erskine,  with  such  a  being  as  Androtion.  I  only 
give  the  words,  and  Dr.  Parr  may  translate  them  if  he  pleases.  "  E< 
"  ecv^ixvo^av  vi  n«X(?,  xXXce  jK»  tuv  ctfX^'^  iTtfuv  <x.\iH)i'7u}v,  o)fAoX<)yuro  sivxt, 
"  ax.  XV,  ca  AvSps?  A0-)v^<oi,  t«?  'jr>fUi  vivi^io-h  ix%  Ti<TB,  <ij  y-xtx  t«v  uyo^xi 
**  i?p«(^£y,  ^tiut  iv  T«<5  iy,x.XriC-ixi?,  nn  rs  bJi^ttasTo;,  daXm  kxi  sx  oiiXtuv  x-xXuii 
*•  IxvTH  ?£At<b?  x.xt  IX.  ZiXrtovMv."* 

In  conclusion,  I  recommend  to  all  persons  who  have  an  itch  for  writ- 
ing or  speaking,  in  public  or  private,  from  Mr.  Barrister  Erskine  down  to 
Mr.  Dent  and  his  dogs,  to  study  with  care  the  following  passage  from 

speeches  was  regulated.  Ovh'  lyyji  [.arx  rxv6'  v^tof  aou';  i^oi.  The  use 
of  this  Clepsydra  is  proved  from  various  authorities  by  the  learned  Sigonius, 
concerning  the  customs  of  the  Athenians.  I  am  told  it  is  in  contempla- 
tion to  have  Clepsydra  or  Water-Clocks  in  either  House  of  Parliament, 
and  in  all  the  Courts  of  Law  at  Westminster.  What  an  useful  invention 
for  the  public!  Such  a  custom  might  be  safely  adopted  even  from  atyra?:- 
nical  democracy.  We  should  never  forget,  such  was  the  Constitution  of 
Athens. 

*  Dtmosth.  Orat.  K«T«6  AvSpoTfwve?.  Gr.  Ed.  Benenati.  1570.  p.  398. 


[      305      ] 

Hoarse  through  the  deafen'd  shrouds!  But  hush'd 

the  blast, 
The  Trident  is  confirm'd  :  the  dream  is  past.  " 


Lord  Shaftesbury,  in  his  "Advice  to  an  Autlior."  The  words  are  these: 
"  Where  the  harm  would  be  ot  spending  some  discourse,  and  bestowing 
"  a  little  breath  and  clear  voice  purely  upon  ourselves,  I  cannot  see.  We 
"  might  peradventure  be  less  noisy  and  more  profitable  in  company,  if  at 
"  convenient  times  we  discharge  some  of  our  articulate  sound,  and  spoke 
"  to  ourselves  viva  voce,  Tjben  alone."  Advice  to  an  Author,  Sect.  i. 
This  anticipating  remedy  of  Soliloquy  the  noble  adviser  prescribes  against 
the  disease  called  "The  Llprosy  of  Eloquence,"  which  is  now  a 
British  Epidemic.  Mr.  Erskine,  as  I  have  been  informed,  has  been  un- 
der a  regimen  for  along  time  to  no  effect,  and  a  Committee  of  Physicians 
and  Surgeons  (appointed  by  the  House)  who  have  examined  Mr.  Erskine's 
case,  and  the  state  of  his  blood,  have  reported  it  as  their  opinion,  that  this 
Leprosy  of  Eloquence,  with  which  he  is  infected,  is  like  the  Leprosy  of 
Naaman  the  Syrian,  that  it  will  cleave  to  him  forever,  except  he  rigidly 
adheres  to  Lord  Shaftesbury's  anticipating  remedy  of  Soliloquy,  and  ab- 
stains from  speaking  in  ail  places  but  in  the  Court  of  King's  Bench. — Ilia 
se  jactet  in  aula  ^olus!    (July,  1797O 

o     These  lines  were  written  and  inserted  here  at  the  latter  end  of  the 
month  of  May,  1797. 

Proh  dolor  1     Imperium  Pelagi  s^vique  Tridentis. 
Cui  nunc  sorte  datum  ! 

A  patriotic  poet  may  be,  I  hope,  in  this  instance  prophetical:  "The 
"  Dream  is  past."  Behold  the  confirmation  by  Admiral  Viscount  Dun- 
can, Earl  St.  Vincent,  and  Earl  Howe,  the  great  Naval  Triumvirs.  I 
trust  we  shall  never  again  say, 

Eunt  tutis  fERRARUM  CRIMINA  VelisI 

Ex  quo  Jura  Freti,  majestatemque  repostam 

Rupit  lasonia  Pi/p/ji>  P;sjut5iCfl  rapina!*  (November,  1797.) 

*  Statius,  Achill.  L.  i. 


[      306      ] 

Oh,  strong  against  ourselves,  and  rashly  bold ! 
No  voice,  as  in  the  Hebrew  fane  of  old, 
From  Britain's  centre  to  her  utmost  bounds, 
From  parting  ^  angels  in  sad  accent  sounds ;       450 
Paine  may  blaspheme,  Tone,  Tooke,  and  Thelwall 

mourn, 
Our  Ark  "^  is  still  by  hallow'd  hands  upborne  ! 


p  I  tnist  that  Great  Britain  is  yet  firm,  and  that  the  guardians  of 
her  laws  and  constitution  will  stand  bold,  undaunted,  and  with  deliberate 
valour.  My  allusion  in  the  verse  is  this :  After  the  profanation  of  The 
TEMPLE  at  Jerusalem,  under  the  Roman  Emperor  Titus,  v/e  read  (it  is 
recorded  by  their  own  Historian)  that  the  voices  of  guardian  angels  xverc 
heard  at  the  dead  of  night,  crying  out  through  its  inmost  recesses,  AlsnxSfiSjv- 
uf/.iv  EvrivSiv,  "  Let  us  depart  hence!"  Seethe  seventh  bood  of  the  Jewish 
War,  by  Josephus,  p.  1282.  Edit.  Hudsoni  Oxon.  I  recommend  the 
perusal  of  the  whole  of  that  wonderful  section  (Chap.  5.  L.  7.)  The 
Historian,  in  some  parts  of  it,  is  scarcely  inferior  in  spirit,  language,  and 
sublimity,  to  .-Eschylus  himself.  Surely  at  this  most  awful  hour  when, 
I  am  almost  tempted  to  say,  the  moral  and  the  natural  world  seem  to  be 
breaking  up  together,  when  the  most  powerful  European  states  and  popu- 
lous cities  have  been  convulsed  or  overthrown,  can  we  hear,  without 
secret  emotion,  and  without  a  kindred  horror,  what  the  Historian  calls 
the  "  Vu/Mix-av  Txyf^xr6»>  i»A<i>iflcy,tia;  <rv/A.^spof6iiiiJv,  the  Ta»  Xrxa-ixc-Tay 
*'  -TTVDi  y,cii  s-t^nfci/  x.i;iV/!.Xuf^ivav  x.fctvyi)  ?  Can  we  read  unmoved,  Ovn  tiXtKixt 
'•  Yiv  eAsoj,  st'  svrpe^*)  crj^vorjjros !  AtfAa  f^u^ciivo/icsvot  kxi  [Aiy-VKCTH  Ui  e^vouag 
"  Koii  xfavyytv  ivrovy,<7av.  Hvvk^u  tiTi  Hn^xtct  x.xt  tx  Tepj|  op*),  ^xavnpxv 
"  rromvrx  tkv  off^viv.  Th  fop-joHTo  UxSyt  (po^sfurt^xl  x-zX. — I  will  make  no 
"  apology  for  presenting  the  learned  reader  with  this  passage,  as  Longi- 
"  nus   would    say,  "  Oura  f^iyxXn   ot  Xoyoi,   y.xi    iy.Z^iiui  »i  lyreixi.   oXtt 


C     307     ] 
I  too  will  call,  loud  through  the  gathering  storm, 

**  c-uficcritu  ^^xfisiTiKov  xocj  ivxymtov,"     (Sec.  9.  dc  Subllm.)  I  expect  his 
thanks  and  not  his  censure,  if  he  is  worthy  to  read  it. 

q  The  Abbe  Baruel  has  done  a  public  service  to  Europe,  by  his 
eloquent  and  perspicuous  delineation  of  the  History  of  Jacobinism\n  his 
work  intitled  "  Memoires  pour  servir  a  V  histoire  clu  yacobiiiismc,"  I  by 
no  means  subscribe  to  all  the  Abbe's  opinions  and  particular  doctrines,  or 
to  his  whims  and  fancies.  But  in  the  disposition  of  the  whole  work,  I  per- 
ceive the  hand  of  a  master.  He  has  discovered  and  traced  from  the  very 
source  the  original  Cabal,  and  its  impious,  infamous  leaders;  and  he  has 
laid  down  their  scheme,  and  disposed  the  proofs  from  their  own  authen- 
tic writings  and  works,  in  a  convincing,  orderly,  and  logical  Arrangement. 
It  is  the  best  historical  and  critical  commentary  extant  (except  the  events 
themselves)  on  Mr.  Burke's  first  work,  called  "  Reflections  on  the  Revo- 
"  lution  in  France."  1790.  It  is  worthy  to  be  read  by  all  who  are  inter- 
ested in  the  great  cause  of  God  and  man,  and  I  hope  it  will  be  read  and 
studied. 

Finis  et  ^tas 
Tota  retro;  skrm  volumus  decus  addere  jigrti! 

It  is  for  such  paramount  reasons,  that  the  Legislature  and  all  the 
Magistrates  of  Great  Britain  are  loudly  called  upon  to  control  (while  they 
jet  can  control  with  effect)  by  the  law,  and  by  the  lanv  alone,  such  works  as 
those  by  Thomas  Paine,  and  all  the  spawn  of  lewdness,  infidelity,  and  de- 
mocracy, in  their  vigour  or  in  their  dotage ;  to  repress  by  law  such  popu- 
lar works  or  novels  as  the  Monk,  by  M.  Lewis,  Esq.  Member  of  Par- 
liament, which  I  have  stated  *  amply,  as  indecent  and  blasphemous;  and 
to  watch  over  the  proceedings  of  Dr.  Geddes,t  the  new  Translator  of  the 
Bible.  The  plain  questions  are  these :  ^^Ape  ive  fo  be  preserved?  and, 
"  Can  we  be  preserved?"  The  French  Revolution  is  now  matter  of 
history,  I  mean  of  history  speaking  in  every  language  of  every  nation  of 
Europe.  One  establishment  upholds  another;  and  the  fall  of  any  one 
draws  after  it  a  long  Ruin.  Read  the  Memoires  of  the  Abbe  Baruel, 
and  doubt,  if  you  can,  whether  Literature  has  power  to  kill  and  to 

»  Preface  to  Dial.  IV.  of  the  P.  of  L.         f  lb.  Pref.  to  Dial.  IV. 


[      308      ] 
Godwin  '"  and  Volney,  ^ Ruin  and  Reform; 

make  alive.  Atheist  Statesmen  always  co-operate  with  Atheist  Philoso- 
phers, but  are  generally  duped  by  them.  "  I!s  prennent  leurs  ordres  sans 
"  le  savoir"  said  D'Alembert,  in  the  plenitude  of  his  impudence.  The 
grand  triple  Conspiracy  and  crushing  Cabal,  under  all  its  horrid  formula- 
ries, against  religion,  regal  power,  md  social  order  under  moral  restraint, 
has  shewn  what  is  the  force  and  potency  of  Literature,  stimulated 
and  conducted  by  an  exterminating  philosophy.  LEf  England  be- 
ware AND  LOOK  ro  HERSELF  !* 

r  Godwin. — '■'•  Ecce  iterum  Crispinusl"  and  I  wish  I  need  not  pro- 
ceed with  the  line,  "  Kt  est  mihi  sjepe  vocandus  in  partes,  Monstrum 
"  nulla  virtute  redemptum." — In  my  note  in  Dialogue  3,  of  the  P.  of  L. 
I  thought  I  had  taken  leave  of  William  Godwin;  but  he  has  again 
obtruded  himself  upon  the  public,  and  I,  as  one  of  the  public,  shall  give  a 
few  remarks  on  his  late  book,  called  "  The  Enquirer;  or  Reflections  on 
"  Education,  Manners,  and  Literature,  in  a  series  oi  Essays."  Of  his 
Enquiry  concerning  Political  Justice,  the  author  differs  in  opinion  from 
me.  He  declares,  in  his  Preface  to  his  Enquirer^  that  "An  Enquiry  thus 
"  pursued  on  Political  Justice,  (i.  e.  as  he,  William  Godwin,  has  pursued 
"  it)  is  undoubtedly  jn  the  highest"  sttle  of  man!!!"  But  as  I  have 
given  my  opinion  upon  it  in  the  Third  Dialogue  of  the  P.  of  L.  I  shall 
say  pothing  here.  Yet  I  might  add,  as  it  is  recorded  of  the  infidel  Boaster 

j  before  Thebes, 

I  Si  tardius  artus 

!  Cesslssent,  potuit  fulmen  meruisse  secundum. f 

i 

I  I  shall  take  but  a  few  chapters  of  his  new  book,  for  really  I  should 

1  fatigue  myself  and  my  reader  past  all  sufferance,  if  I  were  to  go  through 

I  *  See  also  "  the  Proofs  oF  a  Conspiracy  against  all  the  Religions  and 

\  "  Governments  of  Europe,  carried  on  in  the  Secret  Meetings  of  Free 

I  "  Masons,  Illuminati,  kc.  kc.  by  J.  Robison,  A.  M."     A  book  of  great 

•  importance  and  solemn  warning  to  this  country,  which  should  be  perused 

,  with  Abbe  Baruel's  work.     They  reflect  a  powerful  light  on  each  other. 
\  t  Thebaid.  L.  10. 

I 


[      309      ] 
The  Sophists  unabash'd  yet  rear  their  head, 


with  it.  The  spirit  and  the  manner  is  the  same  in  all  these  Essays.  "■The 
"  present  vohirae,"  (i.  e.  the  Enquirer)  he  informs  us,  (Preface,  p.  8.)  "  is 
"  presented  to  the  contemplative  reader,  not  as  dina^  but  as  The  maTe- 
"  EiALS  OF  THiNKJNGy  and  that  they  are  committed  to  his  mercy."  He 
adds,  "  that  witb  as  ardent  a  passion  for  innovation  as  ever,  he,  (i.  e.  Wil- 
"  liam  Godwin)  feels  himself  more  patient  and  tranquil."  This  is  plea- 
sant to  himself  certainly,  but  whether  his  opinions  and  their  consequences 
wijl  Y>romQte patience  and  tranquillity  in  otber  men,  is  all  that  we  are  con- 
cerned to  know  and  to  expose.  He  professes  to  write  a  moral  work.  It  is 
miscellaneous  and  unconnected,  whatever  he  may  think.  I  would  pre- 
mise there  is  a  difFtrence  in  considering  a  moral  and  a  mere  metaphysical 
Enquiry.  In  the  latter  it  is  just  and  necessary  to  take  in  all  the  parts  of  a 
system  to  know  its  efficacy  and  apparent  truth ;  but  in  a  moral  work  there 
is  not  the  same  necessity,  and  for  this  plain  reason:  Mankind  are  guided  in 
their  actions,  not  by  system,  but  by  single  impulses;  by  detached  maxims,  by 
aphorisms,  by  sentences,  which  have  frequently  the  force  of  whole  volumes. 
Whatever  impels  to  action  singly  and  by  itself,  may  be  considered  also 
apart,  and  held  forth  either  to  approbation  or  to  censure.  For  this  impor- 
tant reason  I  shall  offer  some  passages  from  "  The  Enquirer,  by  William 
"  Godwin."  The  book  perhaps  has  been  read  very  little  ;  but  it  is  pub- 
lished and  it  may  be  read,  and  I  am  sure  it  ought  to  be  criticised,  not  from 
its  excellence  or  the  ability  of  the  writer,  but  from  the  subject  matter. 

His  first  Chapter  or  Essay  is,  "  Of  awakening  the  Mind."  He  begins 
with  so  very  wise  a  sentence,  that  we  are  naturally  prepared  for  much 
instruction.  I  have  indeed  been  told,  that  Mr.  Godwin's  mother,  like 
little  Isaac's  in  Sheridan's  Duenna,  used  to  call  him  "  Little  Solomon." 
What  is  this  sentence?  verbatim  as  follows:  "  If  individuals  were  uni- 
"  versally  happy,  the  species  would  be  happy!"  Again.  "  When  a  child 
"  is  born,  one  of  the  earliest  purposes  of  his  institutor  ought  to  be,  to 
"  awaken  his  mind,  to  breathe  a  soul  into  the,  as  yet  unformed,  mass," 
Whether  the  mass  is  the  mind,  or  the  mind  the  mass,  and  at  what  time 
the  soul  is  to  be  breathed  into  the  mind,  is  not  quite  clear ;  but  it  is  very 
instructive.     Mr.  Godwin  also  thinks,  that  "  it  is  not  the  absurdest  of 


C      310      ] 
Their  colours  gaudy,  though  but  idly  *  spread. 


"  pnrado::es  to  affirm,  that  tbc  true  object  of  juvenile  education  is  to  teach 
"  no  one  thing  in  particular^  but  (the  reader  will  be  rather  surprised)  to  pro- 
"  vide,  against  the  age  of  Jtvc-aJid-tiventj,  a  mind  -well  regulated,  active, 
"  znd prepared  to  learn,"  It  is  to  be  remembered,  that  the  general  edu- 
cation of  mankind  is  the  object  under  consideration.  If  the  reader's  mind 
is  not  awakenedhy  such  an  alarum  ot  /.onscnse,  I  think  he  must  be  deeply 
intranced,  as  fast  as  a  modern  watchman,  or  l\Ir.  Godwin  himself,  when 
he  wrote  the  chapter. 

Next  comes  Essay  2.  "  On  the  utility  of  talents."  From  this  we 
learn,  in  Mr.  Godwin's  own  words,  that  "The  only  complete  protection 
*'  against  the  appellation  oifool,  is  to  be  the  possessor  of  uncommon  capa- 
"  city;"  and  that  "  a  self-satisfied.,  haf-witted  fellow  is  the  7nost  ridicu- 
"  loits  of  all  things."  This  is  also  very  instructive,  and  lets  us  into  the 
secret  of  Mr.  Godwin's  wits  and  his  self-satisfaction.  But  I  cannot  think 
Mr.  Godwin's  instructions  will  "  produce  in  his  pupil  or  child"  (if  he 
has  either)  "  one  of  the  long-looliedfor  saviours  of  the  human  race."  It 
might  perhaps  produce  another  Anacharsis  Cloots,  the  Orator  of  the  human 
race.  Then  come  "  The  Sources  of  Genius,"  in  Essay  -5.  The  senti- 
rnents  are  either  so  trite,  or  so  absurd,  or  so  wicked,  that  it  is  difficult  to 
choose.  One  of  them  I  must  select. — Of  the  children  of  peasants,  Mr. 
Godwin  observes,  "  That  at  the  age  of  fourteen  the  very  traces  of  under- 
"  standing  are  obliterated.  They  are  enlisted  at  the  crimping  house  of 
"  oppression.  They  are  brutifcdhy  immoderate  and  uni-emitting  labour. 
"  Their  hearts  are  hardened,  and  their  spirits  broken  by  all  that  they  see, 
"  all  that  they  feel,  and  all  that  they  look  forward  to.  This  is  one  of  the 
♦'  Mos-r  iNfERESfiNG  poivfs  OF  viEiv'm  which  wfi  consider  the  present 
"  order  of  society  I !!  It  is  the  great  slaughter-house  of  genius,  and  of 
"  mind.  It  is  the  unrelenting  murderer  of  hope  and  gaiety,  of  the  love  of 
"  reflection,  and  cf  the  love  of  life."  (p.  16.)  This  is,  I  suppose,  as 
this  atrocious  but  foolish  writer  would  call  it,  to  promote  patience  and  tran- 
quillity among  mankind!  Mr.  Godwin  has  not  yet  done.  Essay  the 
4th  1$  on  the  same  Sources.      Here  he  proves  ioo  much  for  himself.     He 


C     311      ] 
Better  be  dull  than  wicked ;  from  the  heart 


says,   page    19.    "There  is  an  insanity   among  Pliilosophers,   that  has 
*'  brought  Philosophy  itself  into  discredit." 

At  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century,  Mr.  G.  speaking  of  the  suc- 
cession of  events,  and  the  manner  in  which  we  acquire  ideas,  delivers  this 
sentence  seriously  and  philosophically,  with  a  view  to  be  instructive  as  I 
suppose.  "  If  any  man  was  to  tell  me  that  if  I  pull  the  trigger  of  my  gun 
"  a  snuift  and  beautiful  horse  will  immediately  appear  starting  from  the 
"  mouth  of  the  tube  i  I  can  only  answer,  that  I  do  not  sxpect  it^  and  that 
"  it  is  contrary  to  the  tenor  of  my  former  experienee.  But  /can  assign  no 
"  reason  (ill)  why  this  is  an  event  intrinsically  more  absurd,  or  less  likely 
"  to  happen  than  the  event  I  have  been  accustomed  to  witness.  It  may  be 
"  familiarly  illustrated  to  the  unlearned  reader,  by  remarking,  that  the 
"  process  of  generation,  in  consequence  of  which  men  and  horses  are  born, 
"  has  obviously  no  more  perceivabl:  correspondence  with  that  event,  than  it 
"  would  have  for  me  to  pull  the  trigger  of  a  gun !!!"  I  pass  by  the  gross 
indecency  of  the  illustration,  that  I  may  just  hint,  what  it  is  to  be  a 
philosopher,  and  instruct  the  unlearned  in  the  new  way.  I  am  ashamed  to 
analyse  any  other  opinions  in  this  Essay ;  but  as  Mr.  G.  is  supposed  by 
some  to  be  "  a  man  of  talents"  I  suppose  also  that  Mr.  G.  has  the  proper- 
ties of  "  A  man  of  talents,"  as  he  himself  has  declared  them  to  be;  and 
that  "  He  (himself)  can  recollect  up  to  what  period  he  was  jejune,  and  up 
"  to  what  period  he  was  dull.  He  can  call  to  mind  the  innumerable 
"  errors  of  specul  ation  he  has  committed  that  would  almost  digrace  ah 
"  ideot,"  (p.  28.)  For  my  own  part,  in  the  present  instance,  J  have 
nothing  to  do  with  recollection.  Mr.  Godwin  and  his  book  are  before 
me.  So  much  for  "A  man  of  talents."  I  can  not  oppress  the  reader  v/ith 
all  his  desolating,  unfounded  and  silly  opinions  on  all  trades,  professions, 
and  occupations ;  wholly  subversive  cf  the  order  of  society,  and  as  I  believe, 
of  any  supposeable  order  whatsoever  of  any  regulated  human  society. 

But  if  the  reader  wishes  to  be  amused  with  the  acme  or  height  of 
absurdity  and  wildness,  I  earnestly  recommend  to  him  to  read  Mr.  God- 
win's account  of  "  The  walk  of  a  man  of  talents,  (Mr.  Godwin  himself, 
"  for  instance.)  and  of  a  man  without  talents^  (such  %»  myself) /rcw  Tan- 


C      312      ] 
The  life-springs  issue,  and  their  force  impart. 


"  ph  Bar  to  Hyde  Park  Cor7icr."  (p.  31  and  32.)  It  is  really  refreshing  in 
the  extreme.  Nothing  can  be  superior  to  it,  but  his  "  Gun  of  generation," 
just  described,  and  his  "  self-tilling  plough,  without  the  intervention 
"  of  man,"  in  his  other  book  on  Political  Justice,  vol.  2.  p.  494.  Ed.  8vo. 
I  will  give  Mr.  Godwin's  own  account  of  this  famous  Walk,  especially  as 
the  public  are  accustomed  to  observe  all  kinds  of  men  and  women  too 
between  Temple  Bar  and  Hyde  Park  Corner.  "  The  chief  ^omX.  of  difFer- 
"  ence  (says  Mr.  Godwin)  between  the  man  of  talents  and  the  man  ivitb- 
"  outy  CONSISTS  in  the  different  nvays  in  which  their  minds  are  employed 
"during  the  same  interval  111"  (This  is  the  proposition,  ludicrous  and 
absurd  enough  of  Itself,  but  now  let  us  hear  the  proof  or  \\\\MtVAX\on.') 
"  They,  (i.  e.  the  man  of  talents  and  the  man  without)  are  obliged^  let  us 
"  suppose,  to  walk  from  Temple  Bar  to  Hyde  Park  Corner.  The  dull 
"  BIAN  goes  strait  forward:  he  has  so  many  furlongs  to  traverse.  He 
"  ol)se>-Tes  if  he  meets  atT}'  of  his  acquaintance;  he  enquires  respecting  their 
"  health  and  their  family.  He  glances  perhaps  at  the  shops  as  he  passes; 
"  he  admires  the  fashion  of  a  buckle,  and  tlie  metal  of  a  tea  urn.  Ifh& 
"  experience  any  fights  of  fancy  (i.  e.  between  Temple  Bar  and  Hyde 
"  Park  Corner)  they  are  of  a  short  extent;  of  the  same  nature  as  the  flight 
'•'•  of  a  forest  bird  clipped  of  his  wings,  and  condemned  to  pass  the  rest  of 
"  his  life  in  z  farm-yard.  On  the  other  hand,  the  man  of  talents 
"  gives  full  scope  to  his  imagination.  He  laughs  c?2j  cr/ej  unindebted  to 
*'  the  suggestions  of  the  surrounding  objects,  his  whole  soul  is  employed  1" 
We  are  now  to  prepare  for  the  employment  of  the  whole  soul  of  a  man  of 
talents  from  Temple  Bar  to  Hyde  Parke  Corner,  and  the  reader  will  ob' 
'  serve  that  he  has  enough  to  do.  "  He,  (the  man  of  talents)  enters  into 
"  n/ce  calculations ;  he  digests  sagacious  reasonings.  (All  this  is  done 
between  Temple  Bar  and  Hyde  Park  Corner.)  "  In  imagination  he  de- 
"  claims  or  describes,  impressed  with  the  deepest  sympathy,  ci"  elevated 
"  to  the  loftiest  rapture.  He  passes  through  a  thousand  imaginary  scenes, 
*'  tries  his  courage,  tasks  bis  ingenuity,  and  thus  becomes  gradually  pre- 
"  pared  to  meet  almost  any  of  the  many-coloured  events  of  human  life. 
*'  He  consults,  by  the  aid  of  memory  the  books  he  has  read,  (N.  B.  a  man 


C      313      ] 
Better  to  write  stark  nonsense  ;  better  preach 


"  of  talents  never  reaas  in  the  streets,)  ■a.nl  \k  projects  others  for  the  future 
"  instruction  and  delight  of  mankind."     (I  always  said  Mr.  Godwin  him- 
self j6ro/ecf  erf  his  book  on  Justice  and  this  on  Education  in  the  streets;  Sic 
tu  triviis,  indocte  solebas.)     "  If  he  observes  the  passengers,  (the  dull 
"  man  only  observes  his  acquaintance)  he  reads  their  countenances,  con- 
"  jectures  their  past  history,  and  forms  a  superjicia!  notion  of  their  vjisdom 
"  and  follj^  their  virtue  or  vice,  satisfaction  or  misery.     If  he  observes 
"  the  scenes  that  occur,  it  is  with  the  eye  of  a  connoiseur  or  an  artist." 
(The  dull  man  above  minds  only  buckles  and  tea  urns.)     "•'  Every  object 
"  is  capable  of  suggesting  to  him  a  Volume  of  Refiections."     (Mr.  God- 
win must  mean  his  own  volume  now  before  me,  called  Refections  on  man- 
ners, education,  and  literature.)     "  The  time  of  these  two  persons  in  one 
"  respect  resembles  ;   it  has  brought  them  both  to  Hyde  Park  Corner.     In 
"  almost  every  other  respect  it  is  dissimilar."     Here  is  the  denouement  or         i 
Evpvixx  of  Philosopher  Godifin^  and  I  have  no  doubt,  he  thinks  it  a  dis-        | 
covery  in  Terra  jam  congnita,  as  he  will  allow  the  ground  to  be  between        | 
Temple  Bar  and  Hyde  Park  Corner.     I  cannot  say  the  parallel  is  quite  In        i 
the  manner  of  Plutarch;  but  it  Is  vcrj  instructive.     No  man  can  ever  be        1 
again  at  a  loss  to  know  a  man  of  talents,  from  a  man  without,   in  the        I 
streets.      I   have   of'cen    been  puzzled,    till  I  met  with  this   instructive 
voluine  of  Piefiections. 

When  the  Reader  has  considered  this,  and  all  the  other  parts  I  have  f 
produced,  and  thousands  which  I  have  omitted,  he  v/ill  remember  that  ?^ 
Mr.  Godwin  has  set  himself  up  for  a  Legislator,  a  Reformer,  a  Philoso-      .  | 

k 

pher,  a  destroyer  of  ancient  prejudices,  and  a  builder  of  new  «ystems,  a  | 
guide  through  the  darkness  of  the  world  by  this  new  light,  and  he  expects  | 
the  obeisance  of  mankind.     I  am  sure,  1  cannot  even  conceive  that  any  | 

man  or  woman  will  worship  before  such  an  image  of  democracy  and  ^ 

Tyranny,  whoever  may  sound  the  cornet,  sackbut,  or  dulcimer  at  the 
dedication.  It  is  not  an  image  of  gold ;  it  is  an  image  of  iron  mixed  with 
miry  claj. 

R  r  I 


[      314      ] 
With  silky  "^  voice,  and  sacred  flow'rs  of  speech, 

This  it  is  to  instruct  the  v.'orlJ,  to  reform  it,  to  make  it  happy.  Mr. 
G.  comes  in  such  a  questionable  shape,  that  I  know  not  when  to  finish 
my  questions.  1  might  go  on  chapter  by  chapter  in  this  manner.  Let 
any  man  look  at  his  opinions  and  the  nature  of  his  knowledge  and  his 
pretensions.  I  must  copy  two  thirds  (at  the  least)  if  I  -wished  to  express, 
and  to  expose,  all  that  is  reprehensible  in  thi?  volume,  or  wicked,  or 
ridiculous,!  or  ^^^^^  beyord  belief.  I  would  hold  up  Mr.  G's  own  propo- 
sitions, in  his  own  words,  to  all  persons  who  have  understanding,  and  let 
them  judg;e.  I,et  them  fairly  decide  whether  his  impiety  be  not  even  less 
than  his  folly;  and  the  weakness  of  his  understanding  more  visible  than 
the  plunging  violence  of  his  exertions.  "  Dat  operam  ut  cum  ratione 
insaniat." 

Mr.  Godwin  is  at  best  but  a  mongrel  and  an  exotic.  He  is  grafted  upon 
the  stock  of  Condorcet  and  the  French  rabble  on  French  ground;  but  he 
has  not  even  the  raciness  of  that  teeming  soil.  English  minds  will  not 
long  bear  the  grossness  of  such  an  imposition.  We  are  better  and  earlier 
taught  than  he  wishes  we  should  be.  Reason  indeed  disclaims  Mr.  God- 
win ;  of  eloquence,  and  good  writing,  (in  spite  of  all  his  dogmatism)  he 
knows  nothing;  and  of  the  Belles  Lettres  nearly  as  much  as  can  be  attained, 
or  rather  picked  up,  in  a  modern  academy  in  some  London  Square,  or  at 
Islington.  But  for  Mr.  Godwin  we  are  to  lay  down  Plato  and  Xenophon; 
for  him  we  are  to  relinquish  Aristotle  and  Tully ;  to  him  Locke  is  to  give 
way,  and  the  s"mplicity  and  tempered  humour  of  Mr.  Addison  is  to  be 
lost  in  Mr.  Godwin's  effusions.  I  really  am  fatigued  with  this  man. 
Nothing  but  the  importance  of  the  consequences  and  effects  of  his  wild, 
weak,  wicked,  and  absurd  notions,  (I  cannot  dignify  them  with  the  name 
of  principles  or  et^iu/fntTo.)  could  ha\e  prevailed  upon  me  to  have  wasted 
irretrievably  so  much  of  my  time  upon  them. 

From  the  period  when  Philosopher  Hume  first  garbled  his  neglected 
"  Treatise  on  Human  Nature,"  and  published  it  in  the  form  of  Essays, 
and  set  up  a  kind  of  slop-shop  of  morality  in  the  suburbs  of  Atheism,  we 
have  had  nothing  but  Essays  upon  Essays,  till — we  all  know  the  conse- 
quence.    And   last  of  all  comes  Philosopher   GoDiyiy,   and  sets  up  his 


[      315      ] 
In  ^oh  probation  "  for  a  Foundling's  gown,       461 


trumpery  sbop  too  in  the  same  quarter  ;  though  he  is  willing  to  wait  upon 
ladies  and  gentlemen  at  their  own  houses,  with  his  "  Gros  paquet  de 
"  toile  verte  *  et  rouge  "  upon  the  principles  and  practice  of  the  celebrated 
Fripier  in  Gil  Bias,  and  with  the  same  kind  of  justice.  He  presents  you 
with  his  second-hand  suits,  with  his  "  habits  de  drap  tout  uni,"  and  his 
"  habits  de  velours  un  peu  passes,"  demands  his  soixante  ducats,  and  then 
addresses  you  with  the  same  cool  effrontery:  "  Vous  etes  bien  heureux 
"  qu'on  se  soit  addresse  a  pioi,  plutot  qu'a  un  autre.  Graces  au  ciel, 
"  j'exerce  rondement  ma  profession:  Je  suis  le  seul  Fripier  qui  ait 
*'  de  la  morale."!  So  much  for  Philosopher  Godwin,  or  Le  Philoso- 
phe  Fripier,  malgre  sa  morale  1 

To  the  learned  world  in  particular  (if  they  have  ever  drudged 
through  the  works  of  Mr.  Godwin  as  I  have  done)  I  will  address  a  few 
words  from  the  second  book  of  the  Pyrrhonic  Institutions  of  Sextus 
Empiricus,  as  applicable  to  William  Godavin,  after  all  the  observa- 
tions I  have  made  on  his  writings.  "  E^ouiv  3<'  »  TON  ANGmiTON 
«.  TOYTON  ^iXKfivxi  Ti  XTTo  Tuv  u?.Xu)i  Zuuv,  Kcti  EIAIKPINQS  N0H2AI 
'*  dvvri<rofAtix."\ 

s  Volney. — See  Dial.  i.  (note  e)  of  the  P.  of  L.  for  an  account  of 
Mr.  Volney's  book,  entitled,  "  Ruins,  or  a  Meditation  of  the  Revolu- 
"  tion  of  Empires." 

t     "  Mocking  the  air  with  colours  idly  spread." 

Shakspeare's  King  John. 

I  wish  to  refer  the  reader  to  an  excellent,  very  seasonable  and  impor- 
tant pamphlet  called  "  Reform,  or  Ruin,"  by  J.  Bowdler,  Esq. — It  is 
well  written. 

u  All  Doctors  (and  Bishops  too)  should  remember  it  is  one  thing  to 
preach,  and  another  to  print  and  publish  their  sermons.     It  is  also  high 

*  Green  is  the  symbol  of  the  Irish^  and  Red  of  French  democratic 
factions. 

t   Gil   Bias,   Liv.  i.   ch.    15.  \  Sexti   Etupyrici  Inst.  Pyrrhon. 

L.  2.  c.  5. 


[      316      ] 
To  please  some  guardian  Midas  of  the  town, 

time  for  Bishop  Korslet  (qui  an  travers  de  toute  sa  plete  n'est  pas 
Auteur  impunement,  et  qui  a  la  satisraction  d'arracher  les  Voluptueuses 
aux  pla'.sirs,  *  et  d'aflfcrmir  dans  leur  devoir  des  Epouses  ebranlees  par 
des  amans  seducteurs;  though  I  cannot  say,  "  qu'on  troiive  ses  homclies 
"  et  ses  ouvrages  egalement  forts  et  delicats")  it  is  high  time  I  say,  for 
my  Lord  Bishop  Horsley  to  remember,  that  it  was  said  of  the  Archbishop 
of  Grenada,  "  Voila  un  Sermon  qui  sent  furieusement  I'Apoplexie."!  I 
do  not  thinlc  that  the  Archeveqne  de  Grenade  (I  beg  pardon)  plain 
Bishop  Korsley  (for  I  think,  he  never  will  be  an  Archbishop)  will  appoint 
me  to  b'  his  Secretary,  or  in  the  inimitable  words  of  Le  Sage,  be  desirous 
"  avoir  pres  de  lui  un  homme  (comme  moi)  qui  ait  de  la  literature,  et  une 
"  bonne  main  pour  mettre  au  net  ses  homfclies."+ — I  may  add,  that  if  I 
should  take  a  walk  through  his  literary  grounds,  I  fear  I  should  be  found 
daraage-feasaut ;  and  if  I  were  to  enter  the  premises  at  Rochester  or 
Westminster,  and  be  prosecuted  for  it,  I  should  certainly  direct  my  coun- 
sel to  plead  a  special  "  Nil  habuit  in  tenementls."  (See  Lord  Raymond's 
Rep.  icjo.}  Forthougii  his  Lordship,  as  Plaintiff,  is  but  an  Assignee,  he 
mav  take  advantage  of  the  estoppel,  for  it  runs  with  the  land.  See  Co. 
Lytt.  152,  and  Salk.  276- 

'I'rutli,  erudition,  and  ability,  always  fail  in  their  effect  if  their  pro- 
fessors enforce  them  with  violence,  or  asperity  in  the  manner,  or  impru- 
dence in  the  choice  of  subjects  and  in  the  place  of  delivering  them. 

X  I  allude  to  any  popular  preacher.  It  is  really  humiliating  and 
degrading  to  the  Clergy  to  preach  probationary  sermons,  on  any  vacancy 
of  a  chaplainship  at  any  of  the  charitable  foundations,  before  such  a  set 
of  judges.  One  is  ft;r  voice  and  action,  another  for  what  he  calls  learn- 
in^)-,  others  for  the  tender  passions,  some  for  appeals  to  reason,  and  others 
again  love  logic  and  close  argument.  No  Divine  can  satisfy  such  judges, 
but  such  a  Doctor  as  is  described  by  John  of  Salisbury,  "  Doctor  sanctis- 

*  See  his  Magdalen  Homily,  and  his  speeches  in  the  House  of  Lords 
in  cases  of  Adultery. 

t   Gil  Bias,  liv.  7.  ch.  4.  \  lb.  liv.  7.  ch.  2. 


[      317      ] 

Who  gives  his  vote  from  judgment  3,nd£r:om.  taste; 
Better  with  Warner  move  with  measured  haste 
To  lend  new  pleasure  ^  to  a  pedant's  ear, 
Appeal  to  Bryant,  nor  his  judgment  fear; 
Better  to  state-arithmetic  be  bred, 
Tell  Jacobins  and  Tories  by  the  ^'^head; 

"  simus  ille  Gregorlus,  qui  melico  prxdicationls  Imbre  totam  rigavlt  et 
"  inebriavit  Ecclesiam  1"  It  is  high  time  to  put  these  affairs  on  a  more 
respectable  footing  for  the  Clergy. 

I  think  indeed,  that  the  business,  elections,  &c.  belonging  to  all  Hos- 
pitals, and  all  charities,  should  be  transacted  by  a  Committee  of  the  Sub- 
scribers elected  annually.  A  Committee  composed  of  twenty-one  persons 
would  be  sufficient,  and  the  present  mode  of  canvassing  for  offices  might 
be  entirely  suppressed,  which  is  much  to  be  desired.  It  might  be  easily 
carried  into  effect.  The  propriety  of  such  a  measure  being  generally 
adopted  in  London,  and  near  the  metropolis,  is  evident;  and  I  wish  this 
hint  may  be  attended  to  by  men  of  sense  and  judgment. 

y  See  a  Treatise  lately  published,  entitled  "METPON  APIZTON, 
"  or  a  New  Pleasure,  recommended  in  a  Dissertation  on  Greek  and  Latin 
"  Prosody,"  (1797.)  It  is  without  any  permission,  and  I  think  with  con- 
siderable effrontery,  dedicated  to  Mr.  Bryant  in  a  style  perfectly  new. 
If  almost  every  page  of  this  treatise  were  not  sillier,  wilder,  and  more  ex- 
travagant than  the  preceding,  I  might  be  tempted  to  take  seme  notice  of 
its  multifarious  contents.  For  they  are  very  numerous  indeed;  from  the 
laws  passed  in  King  Priam's  reign  (I  beg  Mr.  Bryant's  pardon)  under  his 
marine  Minister,  when  Troy  was  attacked  and  invaded  by  the  Grecians, 
down  to  the  present  French  war  and  the  Incomprehensible  Cavaliy  Act, 
under  George  the  Third  of  Great  Britain.  As  it  does  not  appear  to  mc 
possible  for  this  Author  (I  use  his  own  words  in  his  own  treatise)  to  "put 
"  off  the  monkey  and  bring  out  the  man,"  I  shall  say  nothing  further  of 
this  farrago  of  learned  nonsense. 


C      318      ] 

Prove  that  no  dogs,  as  thro'  the  streets  they  range, 
Give  bone  for  bone  m  regular  ^  exchange;       470 


yy  Mr.  Burke  gave  it  as  his  opinion  in  his  "Two  Letters  on  the 
"  Proposals  for  Peace,"  (1796)  that  there  are  "  400,000  political  citizens 
"  in  Great  Britain,  of  whom  80,000  are  pure  Jacobins,  the  other  four- 
*'  fifths  perfectly  sound,"  &c.  In  this  particular  instance  I  shall  only  say 
of  this  great  and  venerable  man,  what  one  of  Dante's  Commentator's  says 
on  a  passage  in  the  Purgatorio:  "  Per  verita  e  un  gran  capriccio ;  ma  in 
"  cid  segu  il  suo  stile."  Dante,  Shakspeare,  Milton,  and  Burke,  all 
abound  in  similar  capriccios  ;  but  I  will  add  Dr.  Johnson's  admirable 
words ;  "  He  that  can  put  these  (capriccios)  in  balance  with  their  beau- 
"  ties  must  be  considered  not  as  nice  but  dull,  as  less  to  be  censured  for 
"  want  of  candour,  than  pitied  for  want  of  sensibility."    Life  of  Milton. 

z  Here  is  another  little  capriccio  of  a  man  of  no  common  sagacity, 
the  late  Adam  Smith.  He  says  seriously,  by  way  of  illustration ;  "  No 
"  body  ever  saw  adog  make  a  fair  and  deliberate  exchange  of  one  bone  for 
"  another  with  another  dog."  Smith's  Wealth  of  Nations,  Vol.  i.  p. 
20.  Ed.  8vo.  My  dear  Adam,  this  philosophy  of  yours  is  nearly  of  the 
same  date  as  your  ancestor's  f  in  Eden,  and  I  can  only  say  in  reply. 
"  Whoever  expected  to  see  a  dog  do  so?" — We  have  all  heard  and  read 
of  that  snarling  sect,  the  Cynics,  and  if  we  could  convert  dogs  into 
philosophers,  or  what  is  harder  still,  philosophical  propositions  into  meat 
and  bones,  (which  I  fear  is  more  than  most  Scotch  Professors  can  do)  I 
should  apply  metaphorically  the  following  lines  from  a  celebrated  Poet,  a 
great  observer  oi  human  nature: 

"  So  when  two  dogs  are  fighting  \  in  the  streets, 
With  a  third  dog  one  of  the  two  dogs  meets ; 

t  In  the  most  extensively  learned  book  I  ever  saw,  (for  the  size  of  it) 
and  the  best  arranged,  I  mean  the  "  Philosophia  Generalis,  See.  per  Theo- 
"  philum  Gale,"  there  is  actually  a  chapter  "  De  Philosophia  Adami." 
L.  1.  C.  1.  s.  5. — "  A  Capriccio!" 

\  i.  e.  For  a  bone,  of  for  any  thing  which  is  an  object  o^fair  and  delibe- 
rate exchancre. 


C      319      ] 

Or  frame,  with  Marsh,  ^  strange  theorems  to  try- 
Some  manuscript's  divine  identity; 
With  Hargrave  to  the  Peers  approach  with  awe, 
And  sense  and  grammar  sink  in  Yorke  and  law ;  ^ 


With  angry  tooth  he  bites  him  to  the  bone, 
And  this  dog  smarts  for  what  that  dog  has  done." 

a  A  learned  and  ingenious  Critic,  the  Rev.  Wm.  Marsh,  (Trans- 
lator of  Michaelis's  Introduction  to  the  New  Testament,  to  which  he  has 
added  many  valuable  notes  and  illustrations)  published  in  the  year  1795, 
"  Letters  to  Archdeacon  Travis,  on  the  subject  of  a  Greek  Manuscript  in 
"  the  Public  Library  at  Cambridge,  printed  at  Leipzig,  but  sold  in  London 
"  by  R.  Marsh  Fleet-street."  Mr.  Marsh's  theorem  is  so  totally  new, 
and  so  unparalleled,  that  1  shall  laugh  hereafter  at  any  man  who  tells 
me,  that  the  chances  for  or  against  any  thing  are  100,000  to  i. 

"  General  Tbeorem,  by  which  the  indentity  of  Manuscripts  is  determined^ 
"  from  a  coincidence  in  chcir  Readings."  (Letters,  p.  70.) — 1  omit  it  in 
this  edition  of  my  pcem,  as  the  theorem  is  judged  to  be  too  long  and  unin- 
teresting. 

b  See  lately  published, "  The  Jurisdiction  of  the  Lords  H^use,  or 
"  Parliament,  by  Sir  Matthew  Hale,"  and  an  introductory  preface  by  F. 
Hargrave,  Esq.  the  Editor.  1796.  Mr.  Hargrave  is  universally  acknow- 
ledged as  one  of  the  soundest  and  most  learned  lawyers  in  the  kiiigdum. 
But  when  he  will  step  out  of  his  way.,  and  turn  rhetorician,  and  fancy  that 
he  is  writing  like  Cicero  de  Oratore,  there  is  some  difference  between 
the  Roman  and  the  English  advocate.  Mr.  H.  in  his  preface  thus  writes 
concerning  the  Rt.  Hon.  Charles  Yorke,  the  short-lived  and  lamented 
Chancellor.  "  Hs  was  a  modern  constellation  of  English  jurisprudence, 
■whose  digressions  y"rom  the  exuberance  of  the  best  Juridical  knowledge  were 
illuminations;  whose  energies  were  oracles;  whose  constancy  of  mind  was 
won  into  the  pinnacle  of  our  English  forum  at  an  inauspicious  moment; 
rvhose  exquisiteness  of  sensibility,  at  almost  the  next  moment  from  the  im- 
pressions of  imputed  error,  stormed  the  fort  of  even  his  highly-cultivated 


[      320      ] 

With  Pitt  and  Fox  some  Mantuan  strain  rehearse, 
In  school-boy  contest  for  a  hackney'd  verse ;  ^^ 
Better  be  White,  though  dubious  '^  of  my  fame, 
Or  wisely  sink  my  own  in  ^  Homer's  name; 


reason,  and  so  made  elevation  and  extinction  contemporaneous;  and  whose 
previatureness  of  fate — has  caused  an  almost  insitppliable  interstice  in  the 
science  of  English  equity."  Pief.  p.  i8i.  I  really  think  Mr.  Hargrave 
has  dived  through  all  the  celebrated  ten  fountains  of  invention,  from 
which  "  *  he  has  taken  in  water  for  an  happy  voyage  over  the  procellose 
"■  ocean  of  his  funeral  parentation"  of  Charles  Torke. — I  pretend  not 
to  comprehend  tliis  passage  in  all  its  sublimitv,  but  upon  one  principle, 
which,  as  it  appears  to  me,  is  the  grand,  though  secret  design  of  Mr. 
Hargrave,  to  leave  upon  record  to  his  brethren;   It  is  this:  "  that   a 

"   LAWYER   WHO   WRITES    SO  CLEARLY   AS   TO    BE    UNDERSTOOD,   IS    AN 
"  AVOWED   ENEMY   TO   HIS    PROFESSION." 

bb  See  the  Parliamentary  Register  for  the  record  of  this  famous 
combat  (Nov.  1797.)  between  Mr.  Pitt  and  Mr.  Fox  about  the  verse  of 
Virgil,  "  Toto  certatum  est  ccrpore  regni,"  Stc.  It  was  the  mere  quib- 
bling of  children  at  school.  "\"\'lien  I  heard  it  and  considered  the  time 
and  the  question,  it  was  d'fficult,  though  Virgil  was  the  theme,  to  forget 
Lucan. 

Cumcue  supcrha  fjret  Babtlon  spoiianda  trophacis 

Ausoniis,  umbraque  erraret  Crassus  inulta, 

Bella  geriplacuit  nullos  habitura  triumphos. 

Mr.  Dundas  indeed  never  troubles  the  house  with  any  Latin,  (which 

is  quite  out  of  his   way ;)  but,  from  his  rostral  beak,  regales  the  Scotch 

interest  with  the  uns  )phisticated  pronunciation   of  the   most  unpolluted 

North : 

He  keeps  within  the  bounds  of  sense  and  verse, 

But,  Hie  Macplicrson,  glibly  gabbles  Erse,     (Feb.  1798.) 
c      See  the  learned  and  very  ingenious  (but  rather  declamatory)  Ser- 
Nions  by  Professor  White  of  Oxford  at  the  Bamptcn  Lecture.     But  m 
*  Hist,  ef  Friar  Gerund,  Vol.  2.  p.  -65. 


C      321      ] 

Better  to  disappoint  the  public  hope, 

Like  Warton  driveling  ^  on  the  page  of  Pope  ;  ^   480 

this,  as  in  many  other  cases,  it  seems,  "  Garth  did  not  wnte  bis  ovjn 
"  Dispensary." — I  always  thought  the  charge  ridiculous;  yet  learned  men 
■would  "write  about  it  and  about  it."  Any  tiling  will  serve  for  a  contro- 
versy. Enquire  of  Messrs.  Ireland,  Malone,  and  Chalmers,  at  the 
Shakspeare  Manufactory  in  Norfolk-street,  in  the  Strand. 

d  The  Reverend  Dr.  Parr  will  best  explain  this  verse.  See  his 
sublime  Apostrophe,  "  Spirit  of  Henry  Homer!"  &c.  Sec.  Sec.  Letter  to 
Dr.  Coombe,  by  an  occasional  Writer  in  the  British  Critic. 

e  The  Booksellers  may  say  in  Sir  Philip  Sidney's  words:  "What 
"  fools  were  we,  to  mingle  such  driveling  speeches  among  (Warbur- 
"  ton's)  noble  thoughts!"     (Sir  P.  S's  Arcadia.") 

Pan  etiam  Arcadia  dicat  se  judice  victum. 
The  typographical  errors  in  Latin,  Greek,  and  English  In  this  edition  are 
numerous  beyond  all  belief;  so  numerous  as  to  be  very  inconvenient  to  the 
reader. 

The  reason  why  I  have,  in  the  following  passages,  examined  the  edition 
so  particularly,  is  this.  There  is  no  Author  In  our  language,  whose 
works  admit  of  such  important  illustration,  as  Mr.  Pope's,  moral,  religiousj 
critical  and  argumentative.  This  opportunity  has  been  now  unfortunately 
lost;  and  it  must  be  seen  that  our  great  poet  has  been  disgraced,  and  a 
fond  admiring  nation  is  left  to  lament  the  negligence,  inattention  and  im- 
propriety, (I  use  the  mildest  terms)  with  which  this  work  has  been  per- 
formed, except  In  the  critical  part  of  Dr.  W's  notes,  which  I  generally 
approve.  I  have  proved  this  in  the  following  remarks ;  and  I  have  given 
the  most  cogent  reasons.  My  sole  obiect  is  the  good  of  the  kingdom, 
■which  I  will  strive  to  support  systematically,  whoever,  or  ivhaVever, 
HAT  stAND  IS  fHC  WAT.     "  Hoc  iHis  dico,  qul  me  non  intelligunt." 

f  See  the  new  edition  of  Pope's  Works  by  the  Reverend  Dr.  Joseph 
Warton,  late  Plead-master  of  Winchester  School.  Tlie  mildest  words  I 
can  use  are,  "  Tantamne  rem  tarn  negligenter?"  I  praised  (and  liberally 
enough  as  some  people  thought)  Dr.  Joseph  Warton's  Common  Place 

Ss 


C      522      ] 

While  o'er  the  ground  that  Warlurton  once  trod. 
The  Winton  Pedant  shakes  his  httle  rod, 
Content  bis  own  stale  scraps  to  steal  or  glean, 
Hash'd  up  and  seasoned  with  an  old  man's  spleen;  ^ 


Book  on  Pope,  in  the  First  Dialogue  of  the  P.  of  L.  and  I  still  think  it 

very  entertaining  and  instructive.     But  when  a  learned  man  apptars  as 

the   professed  Editor  of  the  most  distinguished  and  the  most  interesting 

Poet  of  the  nation,  and  when  the  public  have  been  taught  to  expect  the 

work  as  of  great  promise,  we  require  something  more  than  mere  cobv-'no' 

it's  own  old  commonplace  remarks  from  one  book,  to  put  them  in  the  form 

,h     of  notes  at  the  bottom  of  the  pages  of  another.     It  is  mere  book-making, 

l^i     beneath  the  character  of  so  learned  a  gentleman  as  Doctor  Warton.     It 

'}      is  to  steal y>-cm  one's  oum  self.     Yet  the  town  is  patient:  "  Marcus  dixit 

'\\      "  ita  est."     But  I  will  not  say  so.     Had  this  been  done  merely  by  the 

51      Booksellers,  or  by  the  whole  ivorshipful  Company  of  Stationers,  it  would 

V       have  remained  without  notice  from  me.     It  would  have  been  an  edition 

made  nv'th  a  pair   of  Scissors^  nothing  more.     But  at  the  end  of  the 

Advertisement  to   this  edition  I  find  these  words:    "  For  the  rest  of  the 

"  notes  (except  those  by  Mr.  Pope  and  Dr.  Warburton)  I  am  answer- 

"  able.     JosKPH  Warton." 

When  the  illustrious  friend  of  Pope,  W^illiaji  Warburton, 

(sublii-ne  even  in  his  exorbitance,  and  dignified  in  sagacity  and  erudition,) 

condescended  to  become  an  Editor,  I  sliould  have  preferred  reprinting  his 

edition  as  it  stood.      But  I  am  indeed  ashamed  of  the  present  edition  as  it 

is   now  offered   to   the  public.     If  Dr.    Warton   had  neither  time,   nor 

i        spirits,  nor  industry,  nor  leisure,  nor  incl'nation,  he  should  not  have  un- 

j       dcrtaken  a  ivork  so  important  to  the  world.     But  as  their  is  no  other  new 

I       edition  to  be  had  of  an  elegant  form,  type  and  paper,   (and  this  is  very 

pretty)  many  persons  will  desire  to  have  it  and  I  am  sure  I  will  not  refuse 

it  a  place  in  my  library. 

:  ff     See  Dr.  Warton's  personal  notes  on  Pope  and  Warburton  passim 

^        througlu  ut  th.e  v.ork,  splenetic  in  tlie  extreme. 


[      323      ] 

Nor  e'en  the  Bard's  deformity  can  'scape, 

"  His  pictur'd  person  and  his  Ubeird  ^  shape ;" 


g  Poets  are  often  prophets.  Pope  little  thought  that,  fifty  years 
after  his  death,  a  learned  Editor  would  revive  some  imputed  trash, 
(perhaps)  not  his  own,  and  actually  give  to  the  malignant  curiosity  of  some 
folks,  "  His  libelled  person  and  his  pictured  shape."  (Prol.  to  Pope's 
Satires,  v.  353.)  It  is  strange  that  Mr.  Gibbon  and  Mr.  Pope  should 
have  the  same  fate.  The  figure  of  Mr.  G  has  been  presented  to  the 
world  and  to  posterity  by  his  friend  Lord  Sheffield  (See  Mr.  G's  Posthu- 
mous Miscellanies.  4to.  Vol.  i.)  and  Mr.  Pope's  contemptible  appearance 
by  the  kindness  of  his  editor. 

I  have  many  and  great  objections  to  this  edition ;  but  I  shall  only  state 
a  few.  An  edition  of  Pope  is  a  f.iir  and  a  very  proper  subject  of  criti- 
cism. I  think  the  title  page  contemptuous:  "  With  notes  and  iUustra- 
"  tions  by  J  Warton.  D.  D.  and  others."  To  include  William 
Warburton,  Bishop  of  Gloucester,  and  author  of  the  Divine  Legation, 
under  the  title  of  others,  required  on  assurance  equal  at  least  to  the 
dilettante  spirit  which  too  frequently  prevails  in  Dr.  Warton's  comments. 
In  this  instance,  as  he  says  of  the  great  Samuel  Johnson,  "  temulentus 
videtur."  Mr.  Pope  himself  said  to  Dr.  Warburton,  "  No  hand  can  set 
"  my  works  in  so  good  a  light,  or  so  well  turn  their  best  side  to  the  day 
*'  as  jour  own."  Upon  which  Dr.  Vv^arton  remarks:  ''  Without  incurring, 
"  1  hope,  the  censure  of  being  a  short-sighted  and  malevolent  critic,  I 
"  venture  to  say  that  our  yluthor's  fond  expectation  of  his  commentator's 
"  setting  his  works  in  the  best  light,  was  extremely  ill-founded."*  I 
believe  Mr.  Pope  v/ill  be  found  the  best  judge  of  his  own  interest.  Dr. 
Warton  may  remember  these  lines: 

"  Critics  I  saw,  that  other  names  deface, 
"  And  fix  their  own,  with  labour,  in  their  place ; 
"  Their  own,  like  others,  soon  their  place  resign'd, 
"  Or  disappeared,  and  lf:ft  the  first  behind." 

*  Pope.  Warton's  Edit.  Vol.  9.  p.  377. 


C      324      ] 
Ah,  better  to  unlearn'd  oblivion  hurl'd, 


Such  was  the  inscription  in  a  Temple,  from  -which  it  will  be  difficult  to 
erase  the  name  of  William  Warburton,  and  substitute  the  name  of 
Joseph  Warton.  I  have  no  personal  partiality  for  Warburton ;  he  was 
long  before  my  time.  Nor  have  I  the  honour  (such  I  should  indeed 
esteem  it)  of  an  acquaintance  with  Bishop  Hurd,  his  venerable  friend 
and  compeer.  But  I  was  born  to  admire  erudition  and  genius,  and  to 
vindicate  them  when  they  are  insulted. 

Dr.  Warton's  life  of  Pope  is  not  well  written  as  to  the  matter  or  the 
manner.  Tlie  style  is  defective  and  often  vulgar.  I  shall  Instance  a  pas- 
sage or  two.  The  perpetual  vulgarism  of  the  term  "  our  author." — 
*'  Dennis  pursued  our  author  in  bitter  invectives,  against  every  work  he 
"  gradualj  published."  p.  i8.  "  After  arriving  at  eminence  by  so  many 
''  capital  compositions,  our  author,  &c.  occ. — p.  24.  "  Whicli,  as  an 
"  uncommon  curiosity,  one  would  have  been  glad  to  have  beheld."  p.  11. 
"  Dr.  Warburton's  defence  of  the  Essay  on  Man  ultimately  got  him  a 
"  vjife  and  a  bishopric."  p.  45.  "  Into  what  a  7nass  has  he  raised  and 
"  expanded  so  slight  a  hint.'"  p.  21.  Dr.  W.  is  fond  of  "  delicious  lines, 
"  and  deicious  passages,"  8cc.  I  cannot  specify  more  of  them  in  this 
note.  He  commends  Voltaire  too  often  and  too  much.  He  is  also  per- 
petually praising  the  German  Professor  Heyne,  who  has  insulted  our 
Jlngiish  universities  and  public  schools  in  his  writings.  Yet  nve  have  re- 
published his  Virgil  and  all  his  ponderous  dissertations.  Professor  Heyne 
was  originally  a  mechanic :  he  was  not  born  with  taste,  and  he  never 
acquired  elegance.  His  learning  is  vfithout  discernment.  More  embodied 
dulness  or  a  heavier  mass  of  matter  tlian  his  Virgil  I  never  saw.  The 
shrine  of  the  Poet  is  indeed  loaded  with  offerings,  but  it  is  illuminated 
with  rays  from  Gottingen. — I  must  observe  further. 

It  was  very  bold  and  very  indecent  in  the  Rei'erend  Dr.  Warton,  to 
publish  Pope's  Imitation  of  the  Second  Satire  of  the  first  Book  of  Horace. 
Pope  never  *  printed  it  in  his  v/orks  himself;   Dr.    Warburton  refused  to 

*  Dr.  W.  indeed  says,  vol.  i.  Life,  p.  56.  "  Pope  sufferedh\%  friend 
"  Dodsley  to  print  it  as  his  writing  in  one  edition,  izmo."  I  never  saw  it, 
but  can  believe  the  Doctor.     Pope  was  undoubtedly  ashamed  of  it» 


[      525      3 
Than  give  to  Perry  ^  what  I  owe  the  world; 

admit  it:  no  common  edition  -whatsoever  of  Pope  has  admitted  it.  It  Is 
printed  only  in  a  vulgar  appendix  in  two  volumes.  But  if  Mr.  Pope  had 
actually  described  every  nymph  in  the  seraglio  of  "  the  pious  Needham," 
must  the  Reverend  Dr.  Warton  publish  such  a  poem,  merely  because  Mr. 
Pope  had  v/rittcn  it? — This  sixth  volume  of  Dr.  Warton's  edition  should 
be  reprinted,  and  this  scandalous  poem,  and  some  other  parts  of  it,  omitted. 
With  the  Commentators  f  on  Shakspeare,  Pope,  Sec.  of  modern  days, 
there  is  no  such  thing  as  an  invocation  to  '■'■Inter  miss  a  Venus;"  for  the 
Goddess  has  actually  deserted  her  beloved  Cyprus,  "  In  bos  Tota  ruens." 
(See  Horace  for  the  rest.) 

"  Te,  Venus  Regifia,  pio  vocantum 

"  Thure  Wartoni  et  Stephani  decoras 

"  Transfer  in  sedes." 

I  have  indeed  no  doubt  the  poem  is  by  Pope.  As  to  mere  wit  and  point 
in  the  imitation,  it  is  perhaps  the  best.  But  what  then?  Mr.  Pope's 
works  are  distinguished  for  peculiar  correctness  in  taste  and  morals^  and 
are  intended  for  the  most  general  and  the  most  unqualified  perusal.  Dr. 
W.  might  as  well  have  printed  Mr.  E's  Geranium  in  his  comments,  or 
any  other  light  and  vigorous  sally  of  a  very  young  man,  forgiven  as  such 
and  forgotten,  as  the  following  lines,  if  the  reader  will  believe  they  are 
printed  in  Pope's  Works; 

"  Or  when  a  tight  neat  girl  will  serve  the  turn, 

"  In  errant  pride  continue     *     *     *     ? 

"  I'm  a  plain  man,  whose  maxim  is  profest, 

"  The  thing  at  hand  is  of  all  things  the  best." 

Vol.  6.  p.  5  I. — See  also  p.  49,  worse  still. 
I,  though  an  anonymous  layman,  refuse  to  print  the  passage  in  fully 
which  the  Reverend  Doctor  Warton  has  printed  and  sanctioned  with  his 
name  as  Editor  of  Pope's  Works.  "  Nobis  non  licet  esse  tarn  disertisy 
"  qui  musas  colimus  severiores."  If  Mr.  Pope  had  often  written  tbus^ 
his  works  must  have  been  consigned  to  the  library  of  a  brothel.     This 

t  Seethe  P.  of  L.  Dial.  i. 


[      326      ] 
And  idly  busy,  in  my  choice  perplext, 


edition  of  Pope's  works  will  be  sent  into  every  part  of  the  civilized  world. 
This  will  be  so;  and  can  it  be  said,  that  I  sj^eak  withoiit  reason?  Surely 
I  am  not  pleading  for  public  decency  in  vain.  The  Doctor  at  least  should 
hOcve  dedicated  this  sixth  volume  to  the  Ladi'.s---of  the  Commons.  To 
what  other  ladies  could  1  present  this  volume?  Yet  so  it  is.  "  Doctors 
"  rush  in,  where  laymen  fear  to  tread."  But  because  Pope  called  this, 
Sober  advice  from  Horace,  the  Doctor  thought  their  C(  uld  be  no  harm  in 
it.  Dr.  W.  observes,  that  "  the  first  step  in  the  literary,  as  well  as  in 
the  political  v.orld  is  of  the  utmost  consequence,"  &c.  Pope's  Life,  p.  14. 
I  would  remind  the  Doctor  of  the  last  step  in  both  these  worlds,  which  he 
seems  to  have  forgotten.  I  think  th.at  the  political  principles  in  the  notes 
are  frequently  false,  and  in  may  instances  dangerous.  I  cannot  copy 
whole  notes;  but  I  wish  any  sensible  man  would  refer  to  the  passages  and 
examine  them.  If  they  are  right,  in  such  a  world  as  this  and  in  such  a 
state  of  society  as  the  present,  I  will  give  up  the  whole  of  my  objections. 
Dr.  W.  tells  us  first  from  Sir  Thomas  Browne,  "That  there  is  a  certain 
"  list  of  vices  conuttitted  in  all  ages,  and  declaimed  against  by  all 
"  authors,  which  will  last  as  long  as  human  nature,  or  digested  into  com- 
"  mon  places,  may  serve  for  any  theme,  and  never  be  out  of  date  till 
"  doomsd'iy."  (Vol.  4.  p.  318.)  Instead  of  a  spirited  vindication  of 
inoral  satire,  Dr.  W.  laughs  at  the  eifects  of  it,  and  very  unadvisedly 
seems  to  discourage  even  the  endeavours  after  a  reformation  of  manners. 
IF  I  am  as!;ed  how?  I  answer  thus:  Dr.  Warton  tells  us,  from  a  certain 
JVitj  "  Mount  in  the  pulpit  with  Bourdaloue,  or  take  the  pen  witli  La 
*'  Bruyere,  it  is  only  so  much  time  lost ;  the  world  will  go  on  as  before." 
The  morality  of  Voltaire  cannot  surely  be  the  morality  of  Dr.  Vv'^arton. 
He  lastly  informs,  us,  that  Pope,  in  those  Dialogues,  "  exhibits  many 
"  strong  marks  of  petulance,  party-spirit,  and  self-imix)rtance,  and  of 
"  assuming  to  himself  the  character  of  Censor-general."  (vol.  4.  p.  345O 
As  if  in  ansv/cr  to  tliis  unjust  and  outrageous  character,  by  a  singular 
anticipating  s'igacity.  Pope  seems  himself  to  have  replied  to  the  Doctor, 
in  bis  07vn  concluding  note  to  these  Dialogues,  in  language,  sentiment, 
and  dignity  beyond  all  praise. 


[      327      ] 
Throw  years  of  labour  on  a  single  text,  490 


I  may  add,  that  if  this  mode  of  aryuing  against  ever)-  endeavour  to 
reform  the  manners  of  mankind  and  recall  them  to  virtue  and  Avisdom, 
is  to  be  adoJttcL  we  are  indeed  in  the  high  road  to  ruin  and  revolution. 
Fortunately  there  is  as  much  sense  as  tiiere  is  policy,  or  truth,  in  this  in- 
discreet and  dangerous  doctrine.  I  might  as  well  say;  "  There  is  always 
"  a  certain  list  or  catalogue  of  diseases,  infirmities  and  miseries  attendant 
*'  upon  every  human  being  in  every  stage  of  his  earthly  existence,  and 
"  which  will  appear,  disquiet,  and  lay  waste  the  species  in  all  ages.  The 
"  art  of  medicine  never  can  wholly  remove  them,  and  they  will  ncjcr  be 
"  out  of  date  till  doomsday.  What  is  the  use  of  the  physician  and  his  skill? 
"  We  should  never  apply  to  him,  but  suffer  silently,  till  our  dissolution 
"  takes  place,  without  any  attempt  to  remove  the  pain  or  miser}'  which 
"  fiesh  is  heir  to,  even  w^hen  it  is  in  our  power  to  mitigate  or  perhaps  to 
"  cure  th^m."  I  really  cannot  pass  doctrines  like  these  without  animad- 
version, especially  when  they  are  either  recommended,  or  approved,  by  a 
Doctor  of  the  Church,  whose  office  is  to  declare,  pronounce,  and  enforce 
the  doctrine  of  moral  reformation.  He  should  not  forget  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  natural  and  moral  world.  "  Good  is  set  against  evil,  and  life 
"  against  death.  So  look  upon  the  works  of  the  Most  High;  there  are  tivo 
"  and  two,  one  against  another,"  I  feel  I  am  right  in  submitting  such 
remarks  as  tViese  to  the  public. 

As  to  political  sentiments,  I  own  I  was  surprised  to  read  many  notes, 
bu^  particularly  these  words  in  vol.  4.  p.  3^3,  on  the  compliment  Virgil 
paid  to  Cato.  "  A  much  honester  passage  "  (says  Dr.  Warton)  is  that  in 
"  which  Virgil  had  the  courage  to  represent  his  hero  assisting  the  Etrus- 
"  cans  'n\  punishing  *  their  tyrannical  king,  in  the  8th  book  of  the  iCneid. 
"  V.  424." 

"  Er^-o  omnis  furiis  surrexit  Etruria  uistls, 
"  Regem  ad  supplicium  prffisenti  marte  reposcunt." 
Dr.  W.  knovv's  that  Julius  Csesar  was  not  Mezentius.       I  am   sure  the 
Doctor  cannot  approve  and  recom.mend  this  passage,  which  has  been  in 

*  Punishing  is  the  modern  democratical  word  for  murdering. 


[      328      ] 
(Alike  to  me,  encas'd  in  Grecian  bronze, 


the  mouth  of  every  modern  Reyicide  from  the  murderers  of  Charles  I.  to 
the  murderers  of  Louis  XVI.  But  why  perpetually  call  out  these  passa- 
ges to  public  notice?  Why  dwell  upon  the  "  morgue  et  grandeur  des 
"  Souverains,"  the  authorised  type  of  a  Lion,  Sec.  See.  (Vol.  4.  p.  330.) 
in  times  like  these?  We  all  love  libercy  as  well  as  Dr.  W^.  but  a  wise 
and  good  man  discerns  the  signs  of  the  times.  These  are  the  uniler- 
murmurings  of  a    spurious,  bastard,   half-republicanism.     I    like    them 

JlOt. 

I  write  with  indignation  against  such  an  edition  of  such  a  poet. 
Does  any  Husband,  or  Father,  think  of  cautioning  his  wife,  his  daughter, 
or  his  son,  against  any  part  whatsoever  of  Pope's  works?  If  this  edition 
becomes  general,  it  will  be  necessary  to  do  so.  1  have  no  personal  dis- 
like to  Dr.  Warton:  my  business  with  him  is  solely,  as  Editrr  of  Pope. 
Nothing  can  justify  him.  Am  I  to  spare  public  criticism,  because  of  Dr. 
Warton's  age,  (is  it  in  the  title  page?)  or  the  variety  and  extent  of  his 
learning?  Surely  not.  They  are  both  strong  against  the  deed.  Dr. 
Warton's  own  words  of  himself  are,  "  I  am  answerable.'' 

Pope  was  in  his  hands  in  double  trust.  First,  as  he  is  the  most 
moral  and  correct  poet  of  the  nation,  the  consistence  of  his  fame  and 
character  should  have  been  preserved,  even  by  the  partiality  of  an  editor. 
Secondly  Dr.  W.  stood  bound  to  his  country,  from  his  sacred  profession, 
jiot  to  contaminate  the  rising  youth  of  either  sex,  by  such  filthiuess  and 
rank  obscenity  as  would  disgrace  the  vilest  magazine.  By  this  he  hr^s 
committed  a  great  offence  against  the  public,  which  he  cannot  repair. 
I  am  sure  I  have  spoken  nothing  of  Dr.  W's  private  character.  But 
his  edition  is  open  to  me,  and  to  the  whole  world.  It  challenges  avf 
notice:  and  executed  as  it  is,  it  demands  the  very  spirit  of  Satire. 
"  Euse  velut  stricto  Lucilius  ardens  infremuit."  The  very  indecent 
chapter  of "  The  Double  Mistress,"  in  this  scandalous  Sixth  VoMme^ 
should  have  been  omitted,  in  the  Memoirs  of  Scriblerus.  (Vol.  6.  p. 
150.)  In  the  Second  Volume  there  are  a  few  trumpery,  vulgdv  copies 
of  verses,  which  disgrace  the  pages.  I  am  ashamed  of  the  low  taste 
which  could  suffer  them  to  appear  before  the  public.     I  aguui  and  again, 


,[      329      ] 
Koran  or  Vulgate,  Veda,  Priest,  or  Bonze) 


disc!  lim  any  personal  harshness  cr  severity  on  the  character  of  Dr.  War- 
ton,  with  wlioni  I  am  net  even  acquainted.  All  I  call  for  loudly  is, 
thrtt  this  sixth  volume  should  suffer  what  every  catalogue  yearly  informs  ms 
poor  HoUingshead  once  suffered.  I  never  before  heard  that  tenderness 
Wds  due  to  <in  edition  of  any  work.  But,  in  these  days,  if  an  idea  or 
op.nion  is  but  absurd,  it  will  be  considered  as  deep  and  sagacious. 

I  shiU  mt  make  any  further  remarks  on  Dr.  W's  criticisms  on  Pope  at 
present,  they  are  oftt-n  very  just,  curious,  and  gratifying,  but  chiefly  taken 
from  his  old  Essay.  I  cannot  now  proceed.  Nos  genera  degustamus, 
non  bibliothecas  discutimus.*  But  as  to  the  conclusion  of  one  of  Dr.  War- 
ton's  notes  on  the  Prologue  to  tlie  Satires,  I  can  well  conceive  it  to  be  his 
own  case,  and  1  can  believe  it  may  be  applied  with  feeling.  Dr.  Warton 
says,  *'  We  read  (or  he  will  read)  with  mo'e  satisfaction,  the 
"    A-vJ''  0  "ru.:;  Tpej  y.a'KTCci  iv^Mvoit  T<^ijv>); 

*'  tlian  nve  do  (or  than  the  Doctor  will  hereafter  do) 

"  Tot?  y.iv  ofi^xT^  istv,  TO  AE  TETPATON  ty.iro  rinoiojp  Atyxi.  xrX.\" 
Vol.  4.  page  55.  Which  last  is  the  motto  to  this  Fourth  and  last 
Dialo,;^ue  of  the  P.  of  L.  I  can  indeed  easily  conceive,  that  after  Dr. 
Joseph  Warton  has  read  these  remarks,  he  will  shrink  back  like  the 
child  in  Homer,  from  the  grey-goose  plume  nodding  \  on  the  head  of  the 
■writer  of  this  note,  and  prefer  luxury  and  repose  on  the  deep  bosoms  of  his 
•well-zoned  nurses,  the  London  Booksellers.  To  them  and  to  their  consol- 
ations I  leave  him. 

If  1  have  written  at  large  on  this  subject,  it  is  because  T  thought  it 
important.  Nothing  is  intended  j&erjono//)'  to  Dr.  Joseph  Warton  in  this 
note.  Tt  is  only  directed  against  the  Fditor  of  Po'e's  -aiorks ;  and  whoe- 
ver, with  the  character  of  a  scholar,  had  published  them  in  this  manner 
•would  have  received  the  same  strong  reprobation  from  me. 

*  Quint.  Lib.  10.  G.  i.     j  Quint.  Lib.  20.  C.  i. 
\  /^iivoi  «57'  «xfeT«fT<jj  x-o^v^og  vivovTX  lowccf.      H.  6.  470* 

Tt 


[      330      ] 

And  lend  to  truth  itself  unhallow'd  aid, 
In  all  the  rashness  of  a  scholar's  trade, 
And  fall,  like  '  Porson. 


This  poem  on  the  P.  of  L.  is  designed  to  represent  and  hold  forth,  to 
the  people  of  Great  Britain,  Avhatever  directly  or  indirectly  strikes  at,  or 
affects,  the  existence  of  the  public  morality,  or  of  the  principles  bv  which 
the  constitution  of  England,  or  of  society  itself  in  a  polished  and  well- 
guarded  state,  is  niairitained  in  vigour  and  in  sound  health.  Dr.  Warton 
may  be,  and  I  doubt  not  he  is,  a  sensible,  agreeable,  and  ingenious  man, 
and  of  amiable  manners  in  private  life,  of  these  1  have  said  nothing :  I  am 
sure  I  rim  not  disposed  to  contradict  or  question  them.  But  in  his  office 
and  character  of  Editor  of  Pope's  works,  I  most  solemnly  impeach  him  of 
high  crime  and  misdemeanor  before  his  country,  as  I  have  proved  at  large. 
It  is  a  material  part  of  my  work,  to  mark  the  offences,  errors,  or  aberra- 
tions of  men  of  eminence  in  literature.  Negite  me  Pkahi  cortina  fefeUit, 
If  I  shrink  from  this  duty  on  any  consideration  whatsoever,  I  hope  I 
shall  be  despised  and  neglected.  We  naturally  look  to  so  learned  and 
ingenious  a  man  as  Dr.  W.  (I  always  esteemed  him  as  such)  for  instruc- 
tion and  improvement  in  classical  taste  and  moral  sentiment.  But  when 
a  Pilot,  of  long  experience,  not  only  neglects  the  care  of  the  vessel 
intrusted  to  his  skill  and  fidelity,  but  almost  voluntarily  directs  it  into  the 
port  of  an  enemy,  or  by  extreme  negligence  and  innattention  exposes  it 
to  the  danger  of  a  shipwreck,  he  should  not  be  surprised,  if  he  m.eets  the 
fate  of  Palinurus. 

Gubernaclum  (non  vi,  sed  spoyTL^J  revulsum, 
Cui  datus  hxrebat  gustos,  cursusque  regebat, 
Pracipitans  traxit  secum  ! 

h     Perry,  put  synonimously  for  the  printer  of  any  factious  newspaper. 

i  See  Mr.  Professor  Person's  Letter  to  Archdeacon  Travis,  of  which 
the  world  has  now  heard  quite  enough.  Mr.  Professor  Porson,  you  may 
begin  again,  but  pray  write  no  more  in  Mr.  Perry's  little  democratic 
closet  fitted  up  for  the  Avits,  at  the  Morning  Chronicle  office.     It  is  be- 


C      331      ] 
OCTAVIUS. 

You  may  spare  your  pains, 
He  gives  no  ear  to  any  modern  strains, 
Save  those,  by  Oberea  ^'  fondly  sung, 
What  time  Opano  ^  trembled  on  her  tongue. 

AUTHOR. 

Censure  or  praise  let  others  seek  or  fear; 
Look  at  my  verse,  the  superscription  there,        500 
The  cause  that  I  defend:  'tis  yours,  'tis  mine, 
The  statesman's,  and  the  peasant's.     In  my  line, 


neath  you;  I  speak  seriously.  I  know  your  abilities.  It  may  do  well 
enough  for  Joseph  Richardson,  Esq.  author  of  the  comedy  of  The  Fugi- 
tive, if  a  certain  political  Dramatist's  compotations  will  leave  him  any 
abilities  at  all,  Avhich  I  begin  to  doubt.  What  is  genius,  without  a  re- 
gulated life  1  Young  men  about  town  (to  use  that  detestable  phrase,)  will 
at  last  allow  it,  if  they  look  at  all  the  tattered,  sin-worn  fragments  of  their 
species,  whom  they  meet  in  their  walks. 

k  See  "An  Epistle  from  Oberea,  Queen  of  Otaheite,  to  Joseph 
"  Banks,  Esq."  (now  ^'\r  Joseph  Banks)  Mr.  Person's  favourite  modern 
poem,  which  he  can  say,  or  rather  sing  to  his  friends,  as  I  am  told.  It  is 
very  ingenious,  but  rather  too  free;  the  versification  is  exquisite.  I  be- 
lieve it  is  the  only  piece  of  modern  English  verse  Mr.  P.  will  read. 

1  Opano  or  Tabano  was  the  manner  in  which  the  name  of  Banks  was 
pronounced  at  Otaheite.  But  in  this  learned  language,  as  Mr.  Zachary 
Fungus  says  to  his  brother  Isaac  in  the  Commissary,  "  Pshaw  1  you  block- 
"  head,  I  tell  you  The  name  does  not  signify  nothing." 


[      332      ] 

All  find  in  me  a  patron  and  a  friend, 
Unseen,  unknown,  unshaken  to  the  end. 
Yes,  from  the  deptlis  of  Pnidus  shall  my  rhymes, 
Tiu'o'  this  mis-order'd  world,  these  lawless  times, 
Be  heard  in  Albion  and  her  inmost  state; 
All  that  the  good  revere  and  bad  men  hate. 
In  spirit  and  ni  substance,  as  of  old. 
The  Muse  in  her  Asbestos  '■'  shall  enfold.  5 10 

'I'his  is  my  Method. — Though  I  sometimes  stray 
From  Euclid's  rigid  rules  to  Fancy's  way. 
Yet  have  I  mus'd  on  Granta's  willowy  strand. 
The  sage  of  Alexandria  "  in  my  hand. 
And  mark'd  his  symbols  deep;  while  o'er  my  ear 
Truth  pour'd  her  strain  in  harmony  severe. 
I  sought  the  Stagirite ;  and  could  divide 
(No  Scotchman  near,  no  Gillies  "'^  by  my  side) 

m  I  know  not  -whether  I  need  mention  it,  but  it  was  an  ancient 
Ro'iTian  custom  to  wrap  dead  bodies,  before  they  were  placed  on  the  fune- 
ra:  pile,  in  a  cloth  made  from  a  stone  called  Amia/itus,  or  Linum  vivum^ 
by  some  railed  the  Asbestos,  on  which  fire  had  no  power.  (See  D'Auben- 
ton,  Tableau  Me'thodique  des  Mineraux,  p.  lo.  Edit.  Par.  8vo.  1784.) 
N.  B.  Mr.  D'Aubenton,  a  gentleman  of  amiable  character  and  of  great 
accuracy  of  mind,  is  notv  (1797)  reside  nt  in  Paris,  advanced  in  years,  and 
by  quietly  yielding  to  every  revolutionary  torrent  in  the  republic,  has 
escaped  tiie  general  exterminating  massacre  of  t(\e  active  Citizen  Literati 
in  tlie  hail  of  French  "Justice.     "  Hie  annis  ilia  qi;oque  tutus  in  aula." 

n      Euclid. 


[      333      ] 

His  sober  sense  from  pride  of  intellect, 

What  Locke  confirm'd,  or  warn'd  me  to  reject,   520 

Thence  soaring  on  tl^e  balanc'd  wings  of  thought, 

(As  Kepler  hinted,  but  as  Newton  taught) 

My  mind  in  calm  ascension  to  the  height 

Of  the  world's  temple,  through  th'  abyss  of  light, 

Mid  wand'ring  fires  and  every  starr'd  abode, 

Explored  the  works  and  wonders  of  the  God, 

Who  fix'd  the  laws  of  order,  time  and  place, 

In  his  own  great  sensorium  °  boundless  space. 

The  Chemist's  magic  flame,  the  curious  sport 

Amber  first  gave,  would  oft  my  fancy  court,        530 

Led  through  creation's  consecrated  range, 

Each  flower,  and  plant,  and  stem,  with  every  change 

Of  vegetative  life,  in  order  brought, 

I  magnified  Linnaeus  p  as  I  thought; 


nn  Since  writing  this  verse,  T  am  happy  to  sav,  that  I  think  we  are 
much  indebted  to  Dr.  Gillies  for  offering  to  the  public,  at  tbis  period^  an 
English  translation  *  of  the  two  most  important  treatises  on  morality  and 
poh.tics,  which  antiquity  can  boast.  No  man  can  read  these  works  with- 
out being  wiser  and  better,  particularly  the  politicians  of  the  day.  (March 
1798.) 

o  "  Deus,  in  spatio  injinito,  tanqupan  in  sensor io  suo,  res  intime 
"  ceruit,"  &c.  See.  Newton  Princip.  Schol.  General,  s-.-b  fin. 


*  Aristotle's  Ethics  and  Poiitics,  2  vols.  4to.  I/98. 


[      334      ] 

But  spurn'd  unfeeling  science,  cruel  tales 
Of  Virgin  "^  rabbets,  and  of  headless''  snails, 
And  through  the  realms  of  Nature  as  I  trod, 
Bow'd  at  the  throne,  and  saw '  the  pow'r,  of  God. 

p  But  not  in  the  spirit  of  that  silly  man,  who  inscribed  these  words 
under  the  print  of  l/mnsus:  "  Dkus  creavit,  L i niur^us  dispcsmt." — There 
is  more  folly  in  the  inscription,  than  any  intention  of  impiety ;  it  is  the  mere 
rage  of  antithesis  without  reflection.  But  in  this  botanizing  age,  it  should 
not  pass  without  observation  to  all  naturalists.  '^I'here  is  a  sublime  picture 
of  a  heathen  poet,  which  is  not  unworthy  of  any  man  who  acknowledges 
"The  Worker  distinct  from  the  work," 

Stabat  aniiela  metu  solum  Natura  IosanTem 
RespiciensI* 

q  Virgin  Rabbets.— -I  allude  in  general  to  all  needless,  and  cruel  ex- 
periments upon  animals.  All  that  breathe,  and  feel,  and  enjoy  the  gift 
of  life  from  their  Creator  are  entitled  to  protection  from  man,  under  those 
limits  and  degrees  which  an  honest  and  upright  mind  knows  without  be- 
ing told.  But  in  this  place  I  particularly  allude  to  an  anecdote  related  to 
me  by  a  friencU  of  a  paper  read  at  the  Royal  Society  in  the  course  of  the 
last  winter,  (1797,)  on  the  subjpct  of  generation.  The  animal,  chosen 
for  these  savage  experiments  by  the  merciless  Doctor,  was  the  Rabbet. 
Decency  and  humanity  alike  forbid  the  exposure  of  the  process,  and  the 
mutilation  of  the  parts  of  generation,  before  and  after  the  animal  was  im- 
pregnated, and  1  think,  in  one  or  two  of  them,  before  the  coitus.  Surely 
to  sit  calmly  and  to  watch  with  an  impure,  inhuman,  and  unhallowed 
curiosity  the  progress  of  the  desires,  and  the  extinction  of  the  natural  pas- 
sions in  devoted  animals  after  such  mutilations  and  experiments,  is  a  prac- 
tice useless,  wicked,  foolish,  degrading,  and  barbarous.  There  is  no 
justification  to  be  offered.  The  mystery  itself  is  not  to  be  disclosed  to 
man.  But  we  will  know  every  thing:  I  wish  we  would  recollect  that  we 
must  account  for  our  knowledge.     When  an  experiment,  for  any  purpose 


*  Stat.  Achill.  L.  i.  4B8. 


[      335      ] 

In  morals,  in  religion,  in  the  state. 
In  science,  without  order ^  all  I  hate. 


useful  to  millions  of  our  fellow-creatures,  has  been  once  made  upon  an 
animal,  it  should  be  Jinallv  recorded  by  men  of  science  and  veracity,  as 
authentic  and  satisfactory,  not  to  be  repeated.  Sometimes,  as  I  luastoldf 
the  idea  of  cruelty  exercised  upon  these  animals  was  for  a  moment  lost  in 
the  ridiculous  terms,  which  were  perpetually  repeated  in  these  papers, 
which  occupied  three  or  four  sittings  of  the  Royal  Society.  JMy  friend 
told  me,  that  he  actually  thought  that  SiJi  Charles  Bljgdex,  KsiGiir 
AND  SecreTart  to  the  Royal  Society  had  been  provided  with  specimens, 
and  that  he  expected  to  see  Virgin  Rabbets,  married  Rabbets,  and  matron 
Rabbets  produced  from  a  basket  on  the  table  to  lick,  as  in  scorn  and  co!i- 
tempt,  the  very  mace  of  a  Society,  which  night  after  night  could  sit  and 
hear  such  a  cruel  farrago  without  indignation,  but  with  half-smiles  and 
simpers  at  the  virginity  of  these  unprotected,  devoted,  miserable  animals. 
When  papers  are  publicly  ofTensive,  they  should  be  publiclv  reprobated, 
and  not  suffered  to  be  produced  before  the  Royal  Society  upon  a  pretence 
of  promoting-  natural  knowledge.  Wiir  has  "The  Societj-  a  Council? 
The  Council  should  be  a  literary  philosophical  Grand  Jurj.  If  it  is  not 
so,  it  is  of  no  use  whatsoever,  but  to  gratify  the  silly  vanity  of  dilettanti 
noblemen  and  Itusj  Romish  Baronets.  I  should  think  Mr.  Plaxta,  the 
very  learned,  judicious,  accurate,  and  well  informed  Secretary  to  the 
Royal  Society  would  be  of  my  opinion.  To  make  such  experiments  as 
these,  is  to  offer  an  insult  to  the  Sacrarium  of  the  Most  High.  For  my 
own  part,  I  would  extend  the  famous  speech  of  the  Barons  in  the  age  of 
Henry  the  Third.  I  would  thunder  in  the  ears  of  the  President  and  of 
the  whole  Royal  Society,  as  a  body,  '■^Nolumus  Leges  Nature  mutaril" 
r  Here  is  another  savage  instance  to  no  end  or  purpose  whatsoever, 
but  mere  cruel  sport  of  curiosity.  The  Abbe  Spalanzanl  asserts  that 
snails  re-produce  their  heads  after  the  amiputation  of  the  original  capita. 
And  he  made  experiments  numerous  beyond  belief.  But  in  the  Academic 
des  Sciences  1778,  the  reader  will  find  Mr.  Cotte  differs  from  the  humane 
Abbe,  and  says,  "  that  out  of  thousands  of  snails  who  have  suffered  the 


[      536      ] 
OCTAVIUS. 

Speak  then,  the  hour  demands ;  Is  learning  fled? 
Spent  all  her  vigour,  all  her  spirh  dead?  540 

Have  Gallic  arms  and  unrelenting  war 
Borne  all  her  trophies  from  Britannia  far  ? 
Shall  nought  but  ghosts  and  trinkets  be  display 'd> 
Since  Walpole  ^  play'd  the  virtuoso's  trade, 
Bade  sober  truth  revers'd  for  fiction  pass. 
And  mus'd  o'er  Gothic  toys  through  Gothic  glass  ? 
Since  states,  and  words,  and  volumes,  all  are  new. 
Armies  have  skeletons,  ''  and  sermons  '''  too; 


operation,  there  have  not  been  above  ^^'c^  or  six  of  them  which  have,  as 
it  is  pi  etended,  reproduced  their  beads." 

s      Nosftsvtfc  kciSo^Ztxi.      St.  Paul. 

t  The  late  ingenious  Earl  of  Orford,  Horace  Walpole.  The  spirit 
of  inquiry  which  he  introduced  was  rather  frivolous,  though  pleasing, 
and  his  Otranto  Ghosts  have  propagated  their  species  with  unequalled 
fecunditj^     The  spawn  is  in  every  novel  shop. 

V  The  language  of  the  House  of  Commons.  It  should  have  been  in 
other  terms.  "  Sunt  lacrymse  rerum,  et  mentem  mortalia  tangunt." 
Sorrow  is  sacred,  and  should  have  the  language  of  consolation  even  from 
the  lips  of  a  Statesman. 

w  See  Claude'sEssay  on  a  Sermon  with  an  Appendix,  containing  one 
hundred  Skehto?is  of  Sermons,  Sec.  By  'Charles  Simeon,  M.  A.  Fellow  of 
King's  College  Cambridge.  1796. — This  is  as  ludicrous  and  ab?urd  in  a 
Divine,  as  the  term  is  ofTeuiive  and  unfeeling  in  parliament  during  the 
miseries  of  war. 


[      337      ] 

So  teach  our  Doctors  warlike  or  divine, 
Simeon  by  Cam,  or  Wyndham  on  the  Rhine.      5  50 
Where  is  Invention?  is  the  modern  store, 
The  same  that  old  Chaldsea  knew  before; 
All  that  the  Gallic  sage,  with  ill-starr'd  wit, 
Kens  from  his  ancient ""  telescopic  pit? 

AUTHOR. 

All  is  not  lost :  ■'  the  spirit  shall  revive : 
Lowth  yet  instructs,  and  Blayney's  ^  labours  live ; 

X  See  the  "  Orig'ine  des  Decouvertes  attribuees  aux  Modernes"  4to 
par  Monsieur  Dutens.  1797.  The  work  is  rather  entertaining,  but  by 
no  means  encouraging,  if  the  Frenchman  did  not  generally  substitute 
conjecture  for  proof.  He  observes  page  130,  in  his  tenth  chapter,  "  that 
"  the  bottom  of  a  pit,  from  whence  we  may  see  the  stars  at  noon-day, 
"  may  be  imagined  to  be  the  primitive  telescope.^'  Mr.  Dutens  may  sit 
in  calm  contemplation  at  the  bottom  of  bis  ancient  pit,  and  from  that 
natural  primitive  telescope  see  whatever  best  pleases  his  fancy.  For  my 
own  part  I  prefer  the  prospect  from  a  cliff  with  the  assistance  of  modern 
ingenuity,  whether  invented  by  Democritus  or  Dollond. 

y  I  have  in  various  parts  of  this  poem  spoken  of  those  writers,  who 
have  done  honour  to  Great  Britain.  It  is  not  indeed  possible  for  me  to 
name  all  those  who,  even  now,  from  that  constellation  of  ability  and 
talents,  which  has  been  or  may  yet  be  displayed;  and  which  Plutarch 
might  call,  in  language  somev/hat  lofty,  (I  think  in  his  Treatise  de 
Placitis  P'lilosopborum)  the  IloXAwy  xxi  crvJi^uv  Atrnf^v  crv^<puTt?^c<Af»m 
KA>.YiXoii  SYNAirASMON. 

z     I'he  deeply  learned  Translator  and  CommiCntator  on  Jeremiah, 
See.  Sec.  B.  Blaney,  D.  D.  Regius  Professor  of  Hebrew   and  Canon  of 

Christ  Church,  Oxford. 

Uu 


[      338      ] 

With  all  who  wander  by  the  sacred  fount, 
(x\  chosen  band!)  encirchng  Sion's  mount, 
Fast  by  the  fanes  and  oracles  of  God,  55^ 

And  mark,  with  King,  ^  where  waves  his  awful  rod. 


a  As  the  French  Revolution  and  its  Consequences  must  occupy  and 
alarm  the  cboughts  of  every  man  who  reflects,  and  stands  in  awe  of  the 
misery  and  desolation  which  have  been  brought  upon  the  earth,  and  of  the 
judgments  which  may  be  yet  impending  over  Europe,  I  th'mk  I  may  be 
excused  by  many  persons  for  the  note  which  I  am  now  writing.  But  first 
I  recommend  to  all  those  who  either  ignorantly,  or  inconsiderately,  or  im- 
piously, or  presumptuously  deny,  reject,  or  vilify  the  Scriptures,  to  pass  it 
over  entirely.  To  them  it  will  be  foolishness.  They  have  neither  part 
nor  lot  in  such  a  discussion.  But  under  this  restriction,  and  under  this 
impression,  I  am  inclined  to  extend  the  subject  a  little,  and  would  call 
the  public  attention  with  much  earnestness  to  some  few  parts  of  a  book 
printed  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  1788  in  4to,  intitled  "  Morsels  of 
"  Criticism,  tending  to  illustrate  some  passages  in  the  holy  scriptures  upon 
"  philosophical  principles  and  an  enlarged  view  of  things:  by  Edward 
"  King,  Esq.  E.R.A.S.  printed  for  Robson  and  Robinson,  1788."  The 
I  title  of  it  is  objectionable  on  everv  account,  open  to  ignorant  ridicule,  and 
^  unadvised;  but  had  a  second  edition  of  the  work  been  called  for,  it  might 
I    easily  have  been  altered. 

I  The  author  of  it  appears  to  me,  ( I  speak  from  his  book)  to  be  a  gen- 

I     tleman  of  extensive  erudition  and   ingenuity,    and  of  accurate  biblical 

I     knowledge,  perhaps  a  little  too  fond  of  theory,  and  sometimes  a  little 

I      whimsical  in  his  application  of  natural  philosophy  ;  but  never  without  a 

serious   intention  and  a  profound  piety.      He  never  forgets  the  nature  of 

the  subjects  he  is  treating.     He  seems  to  approach  the  sacred  writings 

Avith  that  prostration  of  mind,  that  distrust  of  his  own  powers,  and  that 

self-abasement,  which   are   required  of  those  who  desire  to  look  into  the 

hidden  things  of  God.      I  speak  of  the  spirit  by  which  he  appears  to  me  to 

be  conducted,  and  (I  repeat  it)  I  speak  from  the  ivork  alone.     I  shall  con- 


[      339      ] 
The  truth  of  evidence,  the  moral  strain, 

tend  for  no  interpretations  given  by  Mr.  King";  but  I  propose  them  to 
public  consideration.  I  never  observed  more  caution  and  more  wariness 
than  in  this  writer. 

We  know,  that  it  is  declared,  that  "  the,  book  of  Prophecy  is  sealed 
*'  till  the  time  of  completion.''  But  tlie  events  of  the  world,  of  the  Chris- 
tian world,  are  so  awful  and  so  alarming  as  to  induce  us  to  believe, 
that  they  happen  not  without  the  immediate  providence  and  decree  of  the 
SuPRKME  Being  against  the  superstition  and  corruptions  of  man,  and  for 
the  fulfilling  of  the  preparation  for  those  times,  when  *'  the  Kingdoms  of 
"  this  world  must  (in  defiance  of  all  hmnan  policy )  become  the  kingdoms 
*'  of  God  and  of  his  Christ!" 

The  direct  and  circumstantial  evidence  for  Christianity  is  Uideed  veiy 
extensive,  and  it  is  also  so  minute  and  clear  in  many  parts  of  it,  and  so 
cogent,  as  to  form  the  strictest  argument,  v/hich  a  matter  of  fact  can 
admit  as  a  proof.  But  exclusive  of  its  doctrines  and  specific  precepts, 
there  is  one  point  in  which  this  Revelation  can  never  be  sufficiently  con- 
sidered, and  which  without  study  never  will  be  comprehended,  or  even 
imperfectly  conceived.  Without  seriousness,  it  should  never  be  approach- 
ed. It  is  this:  "  The  general  design  of  ScRiPfURE.,  considered  as  histori- 
"  cal^  may  be  said  to  be,  to  give  us  an  account  of  the  World  in  this  one 
*'  single  view,  as  God's  world!  by  which  it  appears  essentially  distin- 
*'  guished from  all  other  books^  except  such  as  are  copied  from  it."*  But 
on  this  idea  it  is  not  my  province  to  enlarge  ;  I  mean  only  to  present  it  as 
the  grand,  lummous,  leading,  and  introductory  idea  on  this  awful  subject. 
I  would  only  conduct  the  reader  into  a  safe  and  proper  train  of  thinking, 
and  leave  him  to  pursue  his  own  meditation.  1  have  also  read  words, 
which  are  deemed  apocryphal^  but  worthy  of  the  higliest  power.  '■'•All 
•'  these  things  were  made  Through  me  alone,  and  through  none  other: 

"  cr  ME  ALSO  SHALL   THET  RE  ENDED,  AND  Br  NONE  OTHER  I .' l"-\    Such 

are  the  words. 

I  will  therefore  ciFer  to  persons  so  disposed  some  passages  from,  this 
w.ork,  written  several  years  before  the  present  events  had  taken  place  in 

*  Butler's  Analogy,  part  2,  ch.  7.  t  Esdras,  B.  2,  ch.  6.  v.  7. 


[      340      ] 
Nor  Hurd  has  preach'd,  nor  Paley  taught  m  vain; 


Europe,  cr  could  be  conceived  to  be  possible.  I  am  not  speaking  in  this 
note  of  any  other  parts  or  interpretations  in  this  work  of  Mr.  King.  I 
am  as  little  disposed  to  superstition  and  enthusiasm  as  any  man  living; 
and  I  do  not  give  them  as  additions  to  the  idle  prophecies  and  random 
conjectures  which  have  appeared  in  such  numbers.  I  have  too  much 
reverence  for  the  reader  and  for  myself  on  such  a  subject.  Mr.  King 
offers  them  only  as  his  interpretations  of  Scripture,  submitted  to  a  calm 
discussion.  But  the  circumstance  which  peculiarly  strikes  me  is  this;  that 
they  were  written  ivithout  any  specific  reference  to  any  nation  in  Europe, 
but  simply  and  in  general,  that  such  times  and  such  events  might  be  ex- 
pected in  some  part  of  the  Christian  world. 

The  first  passage  I  shall  present,  is  a  part  of  Mr.  King's  explanation 
of  the  24th  chapter  of  St.  Matthew's  gospel,  principally  of  the  29th  verse.* 
In  regard  to  which  he  says,  "  We  may  remark,  if  the  words  are  to  be  un- 
"  derstood,  as  spoken  merely  emblematically,  then  the  images  made  use 
"  of  are  such  as  are  well  known  to  predict  (consistently  with  their  con- 
"  stant  use  in  many  other  parts  of  prophecy)  a  great  destruction  and  almost 
"  annihilation  of  many  of  these  lawful  powers  which  rule  on  earth,  how- 
"  ever  beneficial  any  of  them  may   be  to  the  earth ;    and  a  dreadful 

"  LESSENING  OF  fHE  DIGNITT  AND  SPLENDOUR  OF  ALL  GREATNESS, 
"  AND    A     SUBVERSION    OF  ALL    GOOD    ORDER    AND    CIVIL    GOVERNMENV. 

"  Than  which  nothing  can  be  expected  more  formidable.  Dreadful  in- 
"  deed  must  be  a  Time,  (if  such  an  one  is  to  come)  ivhen  men  are  let 
"  loose  upon  each  other,  possessed  of  all  their  present  improvements  end 
"  advantages,  but  unrestrained  either  by  law  and  civil  government,  or  by 
"  conscience  and  good  principle ;  scorning  the  admonition  and  autliorit\'- of 
"  those  who  ought  to  maintain  justice,  and  assisted  by  the  more  rude  and 
"  barbarous  parts  of  the  world,  whom  they  shall  find  too  ready  to  encrease 
"  the  universal  UPROAR."  Page  262-3 — At  the  conclusion  of  the 
Remarks  on  the  Revelations,  ch.  16,  v.  13  and  14,  he  says:  "iZere  while 

*   Of  course  I  refer  the  reader  to  the  book  itself  for  the  tenor  of  the 

whole  arQ^ument. 


[      341      ] 
Sociiius  droops,  and  baffled  Priestley  flies, 

"  we  maintain  clue  reverential/ear,  our  interpretation  must  end.  Nothing 
"  but  the  events  themselves,  ivhen  they  come  to  puss,  can  riglitly  explain 
"the  rest.  And  they  will  certainly  speak  loudlt  enough  for  them- 
*'  selves  as  those  before  have  clone.  Only  I  must  just  remark,  that  it 
•*  seems,  as  \i persecution  and  the  horrid  influences  of  superstition.)  and  of 
"  ignorance,  and  of  barbarism  were  allowed  to  produce  their  dire  effects, 
"  during  the  first  part  of  the  period  of  the  time  described  under  the  Vials; 
"  and  as  if,  Ihreligiqn,  vaniVt,  and  a  foTAt  ivant  of  all  serious 

"  PRINCIPLE,  AND  A   MISAPPLICATION,  OF  THE  REFINEMENTS  OF  CIVIL- 

"  izaTion,  were  to  be  allowed  to  produce  Their  mischief  also  at  the 
"  latter  end  of  that  period  I"  page  453.  See  also,  p.  456  and  457,  which 
I  could  wish  to  copy,  the  words  are  so  important,  and  the  style  so  digni- 
fied. In  the  conclusion  of  which  Mr.  King  observes,  on  the  finishing  of 
the  mystery  of  God,  "that  as  there  should  be  false  Christs  and  false  prophets, 
"  so  there  should  be  also  a  dreadful  subversion  of  all  good  government  and 
"  order,  and  that  men  should  be  let  loose  upon  each  other,  in  defiance  of  all  civil 
"  poiver  and  just  rule,  and  of  legal  restraint."  He  subjoins  some  words 
too  remarkable  to  be  passed  over.*  "  It  will  be  happy  for  those  who  shall 
"  live  some  years  hence,  if  they  can  prove  me  guilty  of  a  mistake  in  this 
"  point.  I  speak  and  write  vjith  cautious  reverence  and  fear;  acknow- 
"  ledging  that  I  am  liable  to  error,  and  by  no  means  pretending  to  prophecy: 
"  but  still  apprehending  myself  bound  not  to  conceal  the  truth,  where  any 
"  matter  appears  to  be  revealed  in  Holy  Scripture ;  and  especially  when 
"  the  bringing  an  impeiiding  denunciation  to  Yight,  f  if  it  be  truth  J  maybe 
''  an  iiwial  warning  and  caution  to  m-Any,  and  prevent  their  becom- 

"  ING   ACCESSARY   TO  THE   EVIL."t 


*  Page  461. 

t  The  following  passage  from  the  great  Historian  Josephus,  on  the  in- 
attention and  ignorance  of  man  in  regard  to  the  divine  predictions,  is  re- 
markable.    The  words  are  these  : 


[      342      ] 
And  at  the  strength  of  Horsley  ^  shrmks,  and  dies  ^ 


I  must  own,  1  am  so  struck  with  these  passages,  that  ivithout  any 
kjiowlcdge  of  this  most  distinguished  Layman  but  from  his  ivork^  I  could 
ahiiost  address  him  in  the  sublime  apostrophe  of  one  of  the  most  eloquent 
Fathers  of  the  ancient  Church;  AvipaiTn  m  Gm,  Tria-n  Sspx-rov  scoit  otx-ovai/.i 
Tuv  ra  0g«  f^va-rripiiav,   Avip   irti&vfAioiv  ruv  TH  Trvivf^XTti,  KoiXeo  2s  oTvXov  xen 

WiVfAccroi  icciTeiyuyiov."* 

Thus  fdid  this  very  learned  and  most  pious  man,  in  a  strain  of  serious, 
temperate,  and  impressive  eloquence,  deliver  his  opinion  and  his  interpre- 
tation. They  will  stand  before  us  i^nd  our  posterity,  as  the  memorial  of 
that  lonely  wisdom,  that  reverential  application  of  the  divine  word,  and 
of  that  silent  dignity,  which  can  only  be  attained  by  a  retirement  (at 
intervals)  from  the  world  which  God  hath  made  to  Him  alone,  and  by 
that  worship  in  spirit  and  in  trvith,  which  when  joined  to  human  erudi- 
tion and  to  the  sober  cultivation  of  the  understanding,  will  produce  fruit 
UNTO  LIFE.  But  I  conclude;  humbly  acknowledging  and  deeply  feeling 
myself  wholly  unequal,  and  altogether  unworthy,  to  speak  of  the  awful 
sublimity  of  such  subjects.  My  office  can  be  but  miaisterlal;  it  is  mine 
only  to  lead  the  aspirant  to  the  door  of  the  temple,  and  to  retire. 

b  The  Riglit  Rev.  Samuel  Horsley,  Bishop  of  Rochester.  In  my 
opinion,  the  controversy  so  ably  maintained  by  this  learned  prelate 
against  the  Heresiarch  Priestley,  is  his  peculiar  praise.      Bishop  Horsley 

T£  fle<  ytvio-Soii  -TrptXiyii'  t»v  ts  tmv  xvl^fuvo^'j  AFNOIAN  KAI  AIIIZTIAN, 
lip'  i?  yoiv  TDoioiiv  sniS-^crotv  ruv  aTtcZvi-ofi.ivojv,  AfpTAAKTOI  TE  TAIS 
STM<I>OPAI2    nAP£AO0HSAN,    aj   x/n^i^avov   xvreig   avxi  tjjv    £|  oivruiv 

Joseph.  Antiq.  Jud.  Lib.  lo.  S.  3.  p.  449.  Ed.  Hudson.  Oxon. 

*  Gregor.  Naz.  Orat.  19.  (Op.  Edit.  Prunxl.  p.  286.  Paris  1609.) 
It  was  pronounced  before  the  great  Basil,  when  seated  upon  the  archl- 
episcopal  throne  of  Cxsarea.  (A.  D.  circ.  374O 

fin  the  beginning  of  the  year  1788.  Mr.  K's  book  was  probably 
■written  some  j'ears  before  it  v.-as  offered  to  the  public. 


[      3^3      ] 

Nor  second  stand  in  theologic  fame 

Sagacious  Hey,  ^  and  Rennell's  '^  learned  name, 

And  Douglas,  ^  hail'd  afar  from  earliest  youth 

Great  victor  in  the  well-fought  field  of  truth. 

To  me,  all  heedless  of  proud  fashion's  sneer,  569 

Maurice '  is  learned,  and  Wilberforce  ^  sincere, 


reminds  me  of  the  celebrated  Divine,  Charles  Leslie.  He  has  often  the 
same  strength,  the  same  acuteness,  and  sometimes  the  same  coarseness 
of  manner.  But  the  argument  is  cogent,  and  the  arms  are  irresistible. 
In  theological  controversy,  Charles  Lesl'e  and  Bishop  Horsley  always 
appear  to  me,  "  jEaeidoe  similes,  Vulcaniaque  arma  capessunt." 

c  The  Rev.  John  Hey,  D.  D.  late  Norrlsian  professor  in  the  Uni- 
versity of  Cambridge.  The  arrangement,  the  learning,  the  accuracy  the 
extent  of  his  researches  in  theology,  are  conspicuous  in  his  laborious  and 
important  work,  entitled  "  Lectures,  Sec."  read  as  professor. 

d  The  Rev.  Thomas  Rennell,  D.  D.  Author  of  a  very  able,  learned, 
and  eloquent  Apology  for  the  Church  of  England^  preached  in  St.  Paul's 
Cathedral,  before  the  sons  of  the  Clergy,  May  lo,   1796. 

e  The  Right  Rev.  John  Douglas,  D.  D.  Bishop  of  Salisbury,  a 
Prelate  whose  erudition,  penetrating  sagacity,  and  well-directed  efforts 
have  discovered  and  overthrown  many  strong  holds  of  literary  imposture.  ' 
The  names  of  Lauder  and  Bower  are  only  remembered  to  their  Infamy. 
— The  Bishop's  Treatise  on  Miracles,  called  "  The  Criterion,"  should  be 
reprinted.      Why  is  it  not  again  presented  to  the  public?     (Oct.  1797.)    | 

t  The  Reverend  Thomas  Maurice,  Author  of  "  Indian  Antiquities, 
"  in  6  vols.  8vo."  and  of  "  the  History  of  Hindostan,  its  Arts  and  its 
"  Sciences,  as  connected  with  the  History  of  the  other  great  Empires  of 
"  Asia,  during  the  most  ancient  periods  of  the  world."  Vol.  i.  4to.  is 
only  yet  published.  The  public  are  well  acquainted  with  their  merits. 
But  it  is  with  the  most  serious  concern,  that  I  read  what  Mr.  Maurice  has 
declared   in   his  dedication,  that  ^'■Tbis  History  commenced  under  the 


[      344      ] 
(Though  on  his  page  some  pause  in  sacred  doubt) 

"  patronage  of  the  Ceurt  of  East  India  Directors,  is  dedicated  to  them, 
"  in  bumble  hopes  of  their  continued  support  of  a  work,  Avhich  must  sink 
"  v/iTuouT  THAT  *  SUPPORT.'*  Learning  has  felt  a  degradation  from 
these  words.  I  am  not  to  be  told,  that  researches  like  these  of  Mr.  Mau- 
rice are  liable  to  the  caprice  of  erudition,  and  of  uncertain  application, 
and  that  his  style,  matter,  and  manner  are  frequently  too  luxuriant  and 
diffuse.  The  foundation  of  a  temple  may  be  strong,  though  every  orna- 
ment on  the  pillars  may  not  be  just. — (November,  1797.) 

V  See  "A  Practical  View  of  the  prevailing  religious  system  of  Pro- 
*'  fessed  Christians  in  the  higher  and  middle  classes  in  this  country,  con- 
»'  trasted  with  real  Christianity."  By  William  Wilberforce,  Esq.  Mem- 
ber of  Parliament  for  the  county  of  York. — Some  very  serious  persons 
have  their  doubts  as  to  t'..t  theological  principles  of  this  work  in  their  full 
extent,  and  1  fear  it  is  too  rigid  and  exclusive  in  Its  doctrines.  There  is 
•also  too  much  of  a  sectarian  language,  Avhich  cannot  be  approved.  But  of 
the  intention,  virtue,  learning,  and  patriotism  of  the  eloquent  and  well  in- 
formed Senator,  I  have  the  most  honourable  and  decided  opinion.  His 
work  Is  vehement,  Impassioned,  urgent,  fervid.  Instant ;  though  sometimes 
copious  to  prolixity,  and  In  a  few  parts  even  to  tediousness.  Perhaps  It  Is 
the  production  of  an  orator  rather  than  of  a  writer.  I  should  think  It  had 
been  dictated.  Throughout  the  v,'hole,  there  Is  a  manly  fortitude  of 
thought,  firm  and  unshrinking.  But  for  my  own  part,  for  obvious  rea- 
sons, I  dislike  the  term,  '■^Real  Christianity,"  as  exclusively  applied  to 
any  set  of  propositions  drawn  from  the  Gospel.  If  I  regard  external  cir- 
cumstances, I  would  not  indeed  take  theology  from  Athanaslus  or  Bos- 
suet,  morality  from  Ssneca,  or  polirics  from  Lansdown  or  Sieves.  But  I 
will  own,  that  from  a  scrutiny  Into  the  public  and  private  character  of 
Mr.  V/ilberforce,  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  his  enemies  would  be 
forced  into   an   acknowledgment,    (as   it  is   recorded   in   the  words  of  a 

*  The  East  India  Conip;iny  ?ubscribed  tor  a  certain  number  of  copies. 
This  is  not  patronage. 


[      545      ] 

As  Gisborne  ^  serious,  and  as  Pott  ^  devout. 
Nor  yet  ungrac'd  may  Sulivan  "^  remain, 
Serene  in  fancy,  nor  in  science  vain; 
But  still,  though  oft  his  various  works  I  scan, 
I  quit  the  volume,  when  I  find  the  man. 


prophet,)  that  "  they  can  find  no  occasion  against  this  man,  except 
"  they  find  it  against  him  concerning  the  law  of  his  God."  A  reader  j 
of  his  work  must  be  good  or  bad  in  the  extreme,  who  may  not 
receive  some  advantage  from  such  a  composition.  I  am  indeed  un- 
worthy to  praise  it,  and  I  feel  myself  so.  If  I  may  descend  from 
divinity  to  mere  philosophy,  I  shall  add  that  if  Mr.  Wilberforce  proceeds 
and  acts  upon  the  sublimity  of  such  principles,  we  may  apply  to  him  the 
expressions  drawn  from  the  fountain  of  Plato  by  his  most  enthusiastic 
votary,  Plotinus.  "  Ap'  iavra  f^iTarixiyii,  <yj  nxur  Trpeg  ap^irvTrov,  tsAoj 
*'  ip^m  TJJ5  7rop8(«;!"  He  will  best  comprehend  the  high  and  holy  sentence 
which  declares  what  is  the  life  of  such  men  ;  "  'Ourco  huv  xai  xvifuriaf 

"  TrJs,  <I)YrH  MONOr  nPOS  MONONI"  Plotini  Ennead:  6.  L.  9. 
c.  xi. 

b  The  Reverend  Thomas  Gisborne,  M.  A.  Author  of  an  Enquiry 
into  the  Duties  of  Men,  Sec.  and  of  the  Female  Sex,  &c.  kc.  eminently- 
entitled  to  the  public  esteem  and  gratitude. 

c  The  Reverend  J.  H.  Pott,  M.  A.  the  learned  and  excellent  Arch- 
deacon of  St.  Alban's.  In  his  writings  instructive,  laborious  in  his  office, 
and  exemplary  in  his  life  and  in  his  profession. 

d  Richard  Joseph  Sulivan,  Esq.  F.R.S.  and  F.  A.S.  author  of"  Philoso- 
"phical  Rhapsodies,  kc."  and  of  a  work  entitled  "A  View  of  Nature,  in  Let- 
"  ters  to  a  Traveller  among  the  Alps,  with  Reflections  on  Atheistical  Phi- 
"  losopliy  now  exemplified  in  France,  in  six  vols.  8vo."  A  work  of  labour 
and  of  general  utility,  digested  from  original  writers  with  judgment,  and 
With  an  upright  virtuous  heart,  In  a  pleasing  and  Instructive  manner.     It 


[      346      ] 

Herschell,  '"with  ampler  mind  and  magic  glass, 
Mid  worlds  and  worlds  revolving  as  they  pass, 
Pours  the  full  cluster'd  radiance  from  on  high, 
That  fathomless  abyss  of  Deity.  580 

Who  in  the  depth  abstruse  of  intellect 
A  greater  now  than  Waring  s  shall  expect? 


appears  to  be  intended  merely  as  an  introduction  to  works  of  deeper  science ; 
and  I  consider  it  in  this  light.  I  dwell  with  affection  on  such  a  character 
as  Mr.  Sulivan ;  and,  if  this  were  the  place,  and  if  India  were  the  theme, 
I  might  make  honourable  mention  of  the  works  and  excellence  of  his 
Brother,  John  Sulivak,  Esq. 

f  Dr.  Herschell's  new  doctrine  concerning  the  Materia  Solaris,  has 
attracted  much  attention  among  the  learned.  I  offer  to  their  considera- 
tion a  curious  passage,  which  I  met  with  when  I  was  reading  with  a  very- 
different  purpose.  The  Platonic  Proclus,  In  the  third  book  of  the  Com- 
mentaries on  the  Tlmxus  of  his  great  Master,  mentions  that  Aristotle 
(wliom,  surely  with  justice,  he  calls  o  6civf*.x(!-ro?  A^io-roTiX-^g)  hints,  tbat 
the  Sun  and  the  Stars  are  not  absolutch  bodies  of  fire.  The  words  are  these: 
"  Toy  'icoi  Airrpuv  ^ooav,  x,cn  xvrov  rov  fnyxv  HX<o»,  OYK  ONTA  EK 
"  IIYPOS."  Prodi  Comment,  in  Timxum  Platonls,  Edit.  Basil.  Or. 
1534.  p.  131.  There  Is  another  singular  passage  (not  so  explicit  as  this 
from  Proclus)  In  the  first  book,  de  Cxlo,  of  the  Second  Ennead  of  Plotl- 
nus  the  Platonlcorum  Coryphxus,  as  he  has  been  called:  he  talks  also, 
rather  quaintly  from  Aristotle,  of  a  "  Uv^  zyi  ruy  Aa-rpuvirfioinpopoy  <pva-ii." 
Plotln.  Ennead,  2  L.  i.  p.  99,  Sec.  Edit.  Basil,  cum  Comment.  Flcini. — 
The  reader  is  referred  to  Dr.  Herschell's  most  curious  paper  "  On  the 
*'  Nature  and  Construction  of  the  Sun  and  Fixed  Stars."  Phil.  Trans. 
Part  I.  1795. 

g  Edward  Waring,  M.  D.  Professor  of  the  Mathematics  in  the 
University  of  Cambridge.. 


C     347     ] 

Lo,  where  philosophy  extends  her  sway, 
Guides  future  navies  o'er  the  trackless  way, 
More  voluble  and  firm;  so,  strong  in  thought, 
The  royal  Synod  Atwood  ^  sate  and  taught. 
Who  may  forget  thee,  '  Beattie  ?  rustic  ^  Burns, 
And  all  his  artless  wood-notes  Scotland  mourns. 
With  England's  Bard,  with  Cowper,  who  shall  vie  ? 
Original  in  strength  and  dignity. 
With  more  than  painter's  fancy  blest,  with  lays 
Holy,  as  saints  to  heav'n  expiring  raise.  ' 


h  See  a  Paper  in  the  Philos.  Trans.  1796.  Part  I.  entitled  "  The 
*'  Construction  and  Analysis  of  geometrical  propositions  determining  the 
"  positions  assumed  by  homogeneal  bodies  which  float  freely  and  at  rest, 
"  on  a  fluid  surface,  also  determining  the  stability  of  sJoips  and  other 
"  floating  bodies,  by  George  Atwood,  Esq.  F.  R.  S."  The  R.  S. 
presented  Mr.  Atwood  with  their  medal  on  this  occasion. — The  names 
of  Herschell,  Atwood,  Maskelyne,  Cavendish,  WooIIaston,  Milner,  Sec. 
dignify  the  Royal  Society.  We  have  yet  some  "  Master  Builders  in  the 
"  Sciences,"  as  Mr.  Locke  once  expressed  himself.  (Preface  to  his  Essay 
on  the  H.  U.) 

i  James  Beattie,  L.  L.  D.  Author  of  "  The  Minstrel,  a  Poem  in  two 
"  books."  It  is  forever  to  be  regretted  that  this  true  Poet  and  most  excell- 
ent man  never  finished  his  exquisite  Poem.  My  mind  dwells  upon  it, 
particularly  on  the  First  Part,  even  from  my  boyish  days  at  school. 

k     Robert  Burns.     The  Ayre^hire  Ploughman.     An  original  Poet. 

1  William  Cowper,  Esq.  Author  of  "  The  Task." — Tsr/,  Macnoiv 
npn  ^oa-t?[  Such  are  the  woids  of  the  divine  Ascrxan,  in  his  Theogouij. 
Of  these  Muses  seated  on  our  own  Parnassus,  it  may  be  said, 


[      348      ] 

See,  with  the  fire  of  youth  how  art  combines,  589 
When  Mihon's  muse  with  Westall's  ^^  pencil  joins! 
For  Athens  Cumberland '"  seems  born  alone, 
To  bid  her  comic  patriot  be  our  own. 


"  'There  did  they  s'.t,  and  do  their  holy  deed, 
"  That  pleas'd  both  heaven  and  earth." 

Bishop  Hall's  Satires,  B.  i.  S.  2. 
The  conclusion  of  the  Poet's  work  is  so  sacred,  so  dignified,  so  unequalled 
in  simplicity  and  unaffected  piety,  that  I  hope  none  will  read  it  without 
those   sensations,  and  without  that  improvement,  it  seems  designed  to 
inspire. 

"  But  all  is  ix  his  hand  whose  praise  I  seek; 
"  In  vain  the  poet  sings  and  the  world  hears, 
"  If  HE  regard  not,  though  divine  the  theme. 
"  'Tis  not  in  artful  measures,  in  the  chime 
"  and  idle  tinkling  of  a  minstrel's  lyre, 
"  To  charm  his  ear,  who  looks  upon  the  heart: 
'»  Wliose  frown  can  disappoint  the  proudest  strain, 
*'  Whose  approbation — prosper  even  mine." 

II  The  magnificent  edition  of  Milton  by  Boydell  and  Nicol,  Avith 
Westall's  designs.     Musarum  dona  vocarem. 

III  Richard  Cumberland,  Esq.  an  author  of  various  talents,  and 
of  very  considerable  learning.  It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  enumerate  his 
compositions,  in  particular  his  dramatic  works,  which  have  received  the 
sanction  of  public  esteem.  In  my  opinion  he  has  done  very  great  service 
to  the  cause  of  morality  and  of  literature.  He  is  author  of  a  work  called 
"  The  Observer,"  and  from  the  translation,  in  that  work,  of  the  fragments 
of  the  Greek  comic  writers,  I  believe  all  learned  readers  will  agree,  that 
he  is  the  only  man  in  the  kino-dom  (with  whom  we  are  publicly  acquaint- 
ed) equal  to  the  translation  of  Aristophanes.  I  wish  it  were  to  be  the 
amuser.ient  of  his  retired  hours.  I  shall  never  think  he  has  been  "public  too 
"  long,  but  as  he  has  quitted  the  stage-)  (as  he  has  affirmed  himself,  though 


[      349      ] 

High  from  the  dimes  of  Latium's  happier  day 
The  Muse  on  Roscoe  "^  darts  her  noon-tide  ray; 
And  with  each  soft,  each  reconciUng  pow'r, 
Sheds  gleams  of  peace  on  Melmoth's  "  closing  hour: 
Bright  to  the  goal  in  their  sublime  career 
Bryant  and  Burke  "  the  torch  triumphant  bear; 


Poets  sometimes  will  make  False  Impress  ions,  J  such  a  translation  would 
be  an  easy,  yet  an  adequate  and  honourable  employment  for  a  man  of  un- 
questionable genius,  versatility  of  talents,  and  knowledge  of  the  world, 
and  a  consummate  master  of  the  poetical  language  of  our  best  ancient 
dramatic  writers.  Let  us  hope  that  Aristophanes  may  yet  be  our  own. 
(July  1797.) 

m  William  Roscoe,  Esq.  the  historian  of  Lorenzo  de  Medici  called 
the  Magnificent.     See  the  P.  of  L.  Dialogue  3,  at  the  conclusion. 

n  William  Melmoth,  Esq.  a  most  elegant  and  distinguished 
writer,  "  near  half  an  age  with  every  good  man's  praise."  His  transla- 
tion of  Cicero  and  Pliny  will  speak  for  him,  while  Roman  and  English 
eloquence  can  be  united.  Mr.  Melmoth  is  a  happy  example  of  the  mild 
influence  of  learning  on  a  cultivated  mind,  I  mean  of  that  learning  which 
is  declared  to  be  the  aliment  of  youth,  and  the  delight  and  consolation  of 
declining  years.  Who  would  not  envy  this  "  fortunate  old  man" 
liis  most  finished  translation  and  comment  on  Tully's  Cato?  or  rather, 
who  would  npt  rejoice  in  the  refined  and  mellowed  pleasures  of  so  accom- 
plished a  gentleman  and  so  liberal  a  scholar? 

o  It  is  to  be  wished,  that  these  two  great  men  may  noiv  conclude 
their  political  and  literary  labours.  Finem  dignum  tt  optima  viro  et  opere 
sanctissimo  faciant?"  Quintll.  Lib.  12.  Cap.  11.  (June  1797.) — Since 
writing  the  above,  when  I  heard  of  the  death  of  that  uneqiialled  man, 
the  Right  Honourable  Edmund  Burke,*  I  could  only  say  to  my  friend, 

*  July  1797. — See  Mr.  Burke's  character,  in  "  The  Imperial  Epistle 
"  from  Kien  Long,  Emperor  of  China,  to  George  the  Third,  King  of  Great 


[      350     ] 

While  Granta  hails  (what  need  the  Sage  to  name?) 
Her  lov'd  lapis  on  the  banks  of  Cam.  p  600 


Hivcrixi  ayyiXf/i;.,   ii  ax.  wipiXXi  "^ivicricn' 
Ks;t«<  nHAEIAHS  ! 

Such  was  my  veneration  for  this  Great  Man,  when  living,  such  Is 
the  depth  of  my  homage,  and  the  secret  affliction  of  my  spirit  at  his 
departure.  It  appears  to  me  expedient  and  grateful,  that  we  should  all 
remember  and  revere  the  man  to  whose  primal  exertions  (it  cannot  be 
repeated  too  frequently)  we  originally  owe  the  public  sense  of  the  moral, 
political  and  religious  danger  of  England  from  tlie  grand  crushing  Cabal 
grounded  and  rooted  in  France,  and  branching  out  and  overshadowing  all 
Europe.  I  speak,  as  I  tliink,  In  sincerity.  We  cannot  indeed,  without 
much  reflection,  understand  the  full  nature  and  extent  of  the  public  obli- 
gation to  Mr.  Burke.  I  would  not  vindicate  any  man  from  the  cradle  to 
the  grave;  much  less  a  politician  and  a  statesman.  The  very  region  of 
Politics  is  baneful ;  it  is  too  frequently  ''  the  soil  the  Vices  like." 
Every  statesman,  in  or  out  of  power,  knows  his  own  meanness,  the  turbu- 
lence of  his  passions,  the  rattles  of  office,  the  irritation  of  opponents,  the 
jealousy  of  rank,  and  the  impatience  of  consorted  power.  All  this  is  true. 
But  still,  when  I  have  revolved  the  various  labours  of  Edmund  Burke^ 
and  the  cause  he  has  mjt'ntained^  (as  it  generally  regards  government, 

"  Britain,"  v.  117.  page  19.  Edit.  8vo.  1796.  A.s  far  as  depends  upoii 
me,  the  words  of  Pindar  shall  be  verified  on  this  great  man : 

Tav  uiv  an  iavovr'  Aotoxi 
EXiTTovr'*  ccXXa,  oi 

©'  EA<K«Jv;tfs«  TToipSivoi 

"EiTTctv,   tTi  f'pvsv  ri  57i>A!;^«jM9v  I'^ivotVt      Eo«|e» 

Apas  0'  Aiccvccroii; 

E<!'A#v  y£  (t>i)Tct  Kcti  (piifAtvov  v/^votg  Qiiiv  diooiti*' 

Pind.  Isth.  O  S. 


C      351      ] 

Whence  is  that  groan?  no  more  Britannia  sleeps. 
But  o'er  her  lost  Musseus  "^  bends  and  weeps. 


religion,  and  society,  not  the  details  of  the  war  and  its  conduct)  I  say, 
with  this  allowance  for  the  feverous  frailty  of  the  passions,  and  the  taint 
of  morality  in  all  our  best  actions,  I  would  record  in  lasting  characters, 
and  in  our  holiest  and  most  honourable  temple,  the  departed  Orator  of 
England,  the  Statesman,  and  the  Christian,  Edmund  Burke  I  "  Remune- 
"  ratio  ejus  Cum  Altissimo!'^ 

p  I  wish,  (and  every  Etonian  and  every  member  of  the  University 
of  Cambridge  of  good  character  will  join  me  heart  and  hand)  that 
this  great  disinterested,  virtuous,  and  consummate  Scholar  and 
Physician,  now  by  learning  and  religion  conducted  with  dignl'-y  to  the 
close  of  life,  may  be  known  by  this  affectionate  verse  to  all  posterity,  "T2»tf 
"  lov'd  Iapis  on  the  banks  of  Cam." 

Diis  DiLECTE  Senex,  te  Jupiter  sequus  oportet 
Nascentem,  et  miti  lustra.rit  lumine  Phoebus 
Atlantisque  nepos;  neque  enim  nisi  charus  ab  ortu 
Diis  siipcris  poterit  magno  favisse  poetse. 
Hinc  longseva  viret  lento  sub  store  Senectus, 
Nondum  deciduos  seruans  tibi  frontis  honores, 
Ingeniumqiie  vigens,  et  adiiltum  mentis  acumen. 
Ergo  Ego  te  Clius  et  magni  nomine  Phoebi 
Manse  Pater,  jubeo  longum  salvere  per  ^evum! 

Milton  ad  Mansum. 

I  know  not  what  should  restrain  me  on  this  occasion.  For  the  eternal 
honour  of  the  University  of  Cambridge,  in  this  our  age,  to  the  following 
names  which  I  have  selected  with  the  severest  judgement  of  which  I  am 
capable,  Grat,  Hurd,  Ogden,  Balguy,  and  Bryant,  I  will  add  the 
name  of  her  Dilectus  lapis, — Robert  Glynn! 

TaNTO  HOMINI  FIDUS,    fANfAE    VIRTuriS  AM  AfOR  ! 

(Nov.  1797.) 

q     The  Rev.  William  Mason,  M.  A.  Author  of  Elfrida,  Caractacus, 

Mussus,  a  Monody  on  Mr.  Pope,  The  English  Garden,  Sec.  Sec.  &c.  Sec. 


C      352     ] 

Lo,  every  Grecian,  every  British  Muse 
Scatters  the  recent  flow'rs,  and  gracious  dews, 
Where  Masoji  Ues;  he  sure  their  influence  felt, 
And  in  his  breast  each  soft  affection  dweh, 
That  love  and  friendship  know;  each  sister  art, 
With  all  that  colours,  and  that  sounds  impart. 
All  that  the  sylvan  theatre  can  grace, 
All  in  the  soul  o^  Mason  '•^  found  their  place  !^'  610 
Low  sinks  the  laurell'd  head;  in  Mona's  land 
I  see  them  pass,  'tis  Mador's  drooping  band, 
To  harps  of  woe  in  holiest  obsequies, 
^'  In  yonder  grave ^  they  chaunt,  our  Druid  lies! 
He  '■  too,  whom  Indus  and  the  Ganges  mourn, 
The  glory  of  their  banks,  from  Isis  torn. 
In  learning's  strength  is  fled,  in  judgment's  prime, 
In  science  temp'rate,  various,  and  sublime ; 
To  him  familiar  every  legal  doom. 
The  courts  of  Athens,  or  the  halls  of  Rome,  620 
Or  Hindoo  Vedas  taught;  for  him  the  muse 
Distill'd  from  every  flow'r  Hyblsean  dews ; 


r     Sir  Wtlliam  Jonks.    One  of  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court 
ef  Judicature  in  Bengal,  S;c.  Sec.  £<.t.  Sec. 


[      353      ] 

Firm,  when  exalted,  in  demeanour  grave, 
Mercy  and  truth  were  his,  he  iov'd  to  save. 
His  mind  collected;  at  opinion's  shock 
yoiies  stood  unmov'd,  and  from  the  Christian  rock, 
Coelestial  brightness  beaming  on  his  breast. 
He  saw  the  Star,  and  worshipp'd  in  the  East. 

Tbou  too  OcTAvius,  that  dread  hour  must  feel. 
Nor  eloquence,  nor  wit,  nor  patriot  zeal,  630 

Nor  piety  sincere  without  the  show, 
Nor  every  grace  Pierian  pow'rs  bestow 
From  Pure  Ilyssus  and  the  Latian  shore, 
What  Sv/ift,  or  great  Erasmus  felt  before, 
May  save  thee ! — yet,  yet  long,  so  friendship  calls, 
May  guardian  angels  hover  round  the  walls, 
Where  love  and  virtue  fix  their  blest  abode. 
Friend  of  thy  country,  servant  of  thy  God  ?  ^ 


s  In  this  political  and  depressing'  period,  it  is  some  comfort  to  divert 
the  attention  for  a  moment  to  such  characters  of  literar)'  and  poetical 
excellence  as  The  Rev.  William  Mason,  and  Sir  William  Jones;  and  to 
be  able  to  add  my  own  Octavius.  Octavius  Optimus,  are  the  legiti- 
mate words  of  Horace.  With  an  allowance  for  the  partiality  of  friend- 
ship, (and  who  that  ever  felt  such  an  affc;ction  will  refuse  to  grant  it)  and 
with  sorrow  that  now  he  must  neither  be  understood  nor  named,  I  assert 
with  truth,  that  Octavius  is  formed  to  move  among  the  highest  and  the 
foremost  in  the  state,  though  contented  and  submitting  to  act  in  a  station, 

Y  V 


[      354      ] 

OcTAvius  yes,  it  is,  it  shall  be  mine, 
With  praise  appropriate ''  still  to  grace  my  line ;  640 


certainly  not  without  honour,  yet  inadequate  to  his  faculties.     ^^Exoniet 
atatis  nostra  gloriam  /" 

b  It  is  pleasing  and  satisfactory  to  think,  that  all  books  which  are 
absolutely  required,  to  strengthen,  exalt,  purify,  and  inform  the  understan- 
ding, and  consequently  to  correct  and  enlarge  the  affections  and  the  heart, 
are  of  easy  access  and  of  easy  price.  With  the  luxury  of  learning  and  the 
modern  elegance  of  types  and  paper,  I  have  nothing  to  do,  but  earnestly 
to  deprecate  all  needless  extravagance  and  brilliant  folly  in  nenv  publications^ 
if  they  are  designed  to  be  of  service  to  the  world,  and  to  be  purcha.sed. 
The  august  and  sublime  monuments  of  religion  and  of  genius  may  be 
adorned  without  blame,  or  rather  with  great  commendation.  When  the 
Bible,  Shakspeare,  and  Milton  ajjpear  in  all  the  splendour  of  typogra- 
phic art,  and  the  magnificence  of  decoration  from  the  pencil,  who  does 
not  feel  a  secret  pride  in  the  honour  reflected  on  the  discerning  liberality 
of  his  country?  Such  books  may  be  considered  as  typographical  pictures 
of  eminent  artists.  Pictures  however  are  not  necessary  for  the  closet  of  a 
student ;  but  they  may  adorn  the  museum  of  a  nation  or  an  university,  and 
dignify  the  repositories  of  the  opulent  and  patrician  literati.  Atticus  is 
magnificent  in  such  patronage,  though  Rutilus  may  incur  some  censure. 
This  is  a  noble  and  laudable  use  of  the  superfluity  of  wealth.  It  is  also 
political  in  the  liighest  degree.  In  times  like  these,  men  of  talents  and 
genius,  when  unemployed  and  let  loose  upon  the  world,  become  too  fre- 
quently the  pests  of  society,  and  the  canker  worms  of  the  community. — 
It  is  indeed  high  time  to  awake  out  of  sleep,  and  to  discern  the  peculiar 
use  of  every  blessing.  In  all  our  actions,  we  should  have  a  view  to  the 
stability  of  society  and  of  well-regulated  government.  It  becomes  us  all 
to  observe  and  separate  the  essential  and  unvarying  laws  of  order  from 
the  principles  of  confusion,  and  the  dictates  of  sound  sense  from  the 
wildness  of  imgoveined  fancy,  and  of  presumptuous  intellect.  The  grand 
end  and  aim  may  at  last  be  thus  effected;  and  we  may,  by  choirv,-  ;nd 
(?onviction,  turn  from  lying  vanities  to  the  spirit  of  truth  and  of  life. 


[      355      ] 

To  mark  where  Genius  soars,  beyond  control, 
With  Mantuan  judgment  and  the  Theban  soul. 
Correct,  majestic,  copious,  full,  and  strong, 
In  arts,  in  arms,  in  eloquence,  or  song; 
Still  proud  to  vindicate  unseen,  unknown, 
The  State,  the  Laws,  the  Altar,  and  the  Throne. 

OCTAVIUS. 

Here  close  the  strain:  and  o'er  your  studious  hour 
May  truth  preside  and  virtue's  holiest  pow'r ! 
Still  be  your  knowledge  temp'rate  and  ^  discreet. 
Though  not  as  Jones  sublime,  as  Bryant  great ;  6  50 


e  The  advice  of  Octavius  is  good,  but  not  applicable  to  a  man  so 
insignificant  as  his  friend.  But  to  men  of  knowledge  and  of  ability  in 
every  department  of  life  it  is  of  deep  importance.  I  lament  and  am 
indignant,  when  I  think  of  such  a  scholar  as  Dr.  Parr,  and  the  waste  of 
erudition  and  talents.  Let  him  stand  for  a  genus.  "  Knowledge  alone 
"  is  not  our  proper  happiness.  Men  of  deep  research  and  curious  inquiry 
"  should  just  be  put  in  mind,  not  to  mistake  what  tbey  are  doing." 

The  want  of  discretion  and  prudence  has  ruined  more  men  of  lear- 
ning and  genius  than  the  time  would  allow  me  to  mention.  Without 
this  sobriety  of  intellect  nothing  is  strong,  nothing  is  great.  Without 
this  prudence,  without  this  discernment  of  time  and  circumstance,  and 
the  habit  of  regularity^  without  an  attention  to  the  decencies  of  society 
and  of  common  life,  and  of  the  principles  by  which  all  men,  however 
gifted,  must  indiscriminately  be  conducted,  all  our  attainments  are  no- 
ticing worth.     They  will  never  procure  us  esteem  or  respectability  among 


[      356      ] 
Prepar'd  to  prove  ^  in  Senate,  or  the  Hall, 


•men.  The  world  Avill  but  smile  at  such  scholars;  and  muilsters,  ■when 
called  upon  to  promote  them,  ^\iil  tell  you,  not  without  reason,  "  they  are 
"  not  producible.^'*  Let  me  give  two  passages  on  this  subject,  one  from 
Milton,  the  other  from  Dr.  Jolmson,  variously  applicable  and  of  deepest 
consequence. 

"  He  who  reads 
Incessantly,  and  to  his  reading  brings  not 
A  spirit  and  judgment  equal  or  superior,  ^ 

Uncertain  and  ur.settled  still  remains, 
Deep  versed  in  books,  and  shallow  in  himself, 
Crude  or  intoxicate,  collecting  toys. 
As  children  gathering  pebbles  on  the  shore." 

P.  R.  b.  4.  V.   1^2  2. 

To  men  of  genius  (as  at  least  they  are  called)  Dr.  Johnson  gave  this 
solemn  admonition:  "This  relation '(of  the  life  of  Savage)  will  not 
"  be  wholly  without  its  use,  if  those  who,  in  confidence  of  superior  capa- 
"  cities  or  attainments,  disregard  the  common  maxims  of  life^  shall 
"  bf  reminded  thc.t  nothing  ivill  supply  the  ivant  of  prudence^  and  that 
"  np.'-;,ligtnce  and  irregularity,  long  continued,  will  make  knowledge  use- 
"  :css,  If  it  ridiculous^  and  genius  contemptible,"  Dr.  Johnson's  Life  of 
Savage,  at  the  conclusion. 

"  Dei^n  on  the  passing  world  to  cast  thine  eyes, 
"  And  pause  aii'kile  from  letters^  -To  r.E  wise." 

f  No  factions  ever  proceeded  to  attempt  a  Revolution  in  any  coun- 
try^ but  first  under  the  pretence  and  through  the  Medium  of  a  Reform. 
"We  have  been  told  with  effronter)'  and  with  falsehood,  tliat  the  Constitu- 
tion of  Enjland  exists  only  in  the  imagination;  yet  we  may  read  the  Bill 


*  The  words  of  the  Duke  of  Newcastle  on  such  an  occasion,  when  he 
was  Prim.e  Minister  in  George  the  Second's  reign.  They  were  spoken  of 
A  MAN,  whose  genius,  talents,  eloquence,  and  erudition  honoured  and 
supported  the  Church  of  Lngland.     And  he  -was  not  promoted. 


[      357      ] 
That  states  by  learning  rise,  by  learning  fall ; 


of  Rights.  Tlie  fact  is  tliis.  Modern  framers  of  political  constitutions 
•will  never  be  satisfied,  till  they  are  laid  down  like  the  elements  of  mathe- 
matics in  the  manner  of  Euclid.  Definitions,  Axioms,  Postulates,  primary  pro- 
positions, and  subsequent  propositions,  built  upon  and  proved  by  the  preced- 
ing, with  corollaries  and  deductions.  One  strange  writer,  (perhaps  it  is  the 
first  time  the  reader  ever  heard  ef  him)  says,  "  A  CossTiruTio:^  must  be 
"  produced  intirs  and  at  the  same  time;  it  must  be  simple  in  its  construc- 
*'  tion,  and  perfect  in  all  its  parts."  Malkin's  Essays  on  Civilization, 
8vo.  (1795)  p.  122.  I  had  fondly  thought  that  Lord  Bacon  had  distin- 
guished the  works  of  nature  from  those  of  art,  in  that  masterly  and  memo- 
rable sentence,  "  Natura  omnium  partium  rudimenta  simul  parit  et  pro- 
"  creat."*  I  suppose  a  political  Constitution  is  the  work  of  human  art. 
Indeed  if  Mr.  Malkin  were  describing  a  perfect  poem,  epic  or  tragic,  he 
could  not  have  expressed  himself  more  critically.  Yet  thus  it  is,  that  our 
present  theoretical  writers  sport  with  man  and  his  passions.  They  cer- 
tainly consider  us  all  as  passive  machines,  and  they  apply  their  laws,  with 
as  much  cool  indifference  to  their  fellow-creatures,  and  with  as  little  feel- 
ing, as  they  would  apply  the  axe,  or  any  mechanical  Instrument,  to  lop  a 
tree  or  to  raise  a  weight.  Their  systems  uniformly  proceed  on  this  princi- 
ple. They  never  varv.  Mercy  is  not  in  all  their  thoughts ;  there  is 
neither  allowance  for  human  frailty,  nor  revision  of  judgment.  Man  has 
offended:  he  must  die  the  death.  Gnossius  hsc  Rhadamanthus  habet 
DURissiMA  REGNA,  We  have  all  seen  and  felt,  ".vhat  the  revolutionary 
principle  is. 

We  must  never  for  a  moment  forget,  that  The  OP,yEci'  of  FsAffCE^ 
from  her  first  Revolution.,  has  been  and  is  To  chasge  The  GovERSMEtrf 
IS  Ei'ERr  SfAfE  IS  Europe,  and  in  every  other  part  of  the  world  which 
she  can  pervade  or  infuence.  Look  in  Germany,  in  Belgium,  in  Italy, 
in  Switzerland,  in  Spain,  in  the  isles  of  the  Eastern  or  of  the  Western 
Archipelago ;  cast  vour  view,  broad  and  unrestrained,  from  the  dominions 
<.f  the  Porte  to  the  banks  01  the  Ohio  or  the  Mississippi,  not  a  state,  not 

*  De  AuQ-ment.  Sclent. 


[     353     ] 

Serene,  not  senseless,  through  the  awful  storm, 

a  fortress,  not  a  work,  not  a  fragment  of  nature  or  of  art,  not  a  cliff,  not  a 
torrent,  not  a  precipice,  but  has  felt  the  shock  and  impulse  of  revolution- 
aiy  terror.  Abyssus  abyssum  invocati  One  deep  has  called  upon  another, 
the  winds  have  blown  the  signal  of  encounter,  and  the  cataracts  are  roar- 
ing and  conflicting ;  or  in  the  resounding  language  of  the  poet  of  Pa- 
nopolis,* 

I  must  claim  excuse  and  indulgence  for  my  expressions,  if  it  can  be 
required  at  an  hour  like  the  present.  My  mind  is  either  borne  down  or 
hurried  away  with  the  terrors  of  impending  desolation,  and  the  overthrow 
or  confusion  of  fixed,  regulated,  established  government.  My  sensations 
are  solitary;  but  they  are  deep.  T«v  i^v^rrj  fiji  ot-'^^irxi  Voy.!pxtx.  I  have 
indeed  the  consolation  of  affectionate  and  lionourable  friendship,  and  I  am 
not  without  the  approval  of  a  few  who  are  wise  and  good:  but  I  cannot 
say  that  "  in  my  life  time  I  have  had  too  much  of  noise  and  compli- 
"  ment.*'t  I  have  risen  in  silence:  and  in  peace  and  privacy  it  is  my 
desire  to  set  and  to  depart.  But  can  any  of  us  see  what  we  have  seen, 
and  not  labour  to  avert  it  from  our  own  country?  If  I  could  conceive  a 
man  of  less  political  significance  than  myself,  (not  from  my  endeavours 
but  from  my  situation,)  I  would  call  even  on  him  for  assistance.  But  I 
would  also  add  still  more  fervently,  that  if  all  and  each  of  us,  who  feel 

the  time  and  the  power  of  these  days  of  darkness  and  of  desolating  tyranny, 
•can  be  persuaded  in  the  spirit  of  seriousness  and  of  temperate  national 

jiiety,  "  to  offer  up  prayers  and  supplications  vrith  strong  cries  unto  HiM^ 

"   WHO    IS    rEf   ABLE    "TO    SAVE    US    FROM    DEAfH;"    who    kuOWS  but  that 

"  We  may  tet"  be  heard,  in  that  we  have  feared  ?" 

*  Nonnus.  Dionys.  Lib.  41.  v.  84.  p.  1059.  Edit.  Hanov.  1610. 

t  An  expression  in  the  affecting  Will  of  the  Right  Honourable 
Edmund  Burke.  What  declaration,  what  testimony,  what  experience 
will  convince  us  of  the  "  Vera  bona  atque  illis  multum  divcrsa,  remot4 
"  crroris  nebula?" 


[      359      ] 
In  principle  sedate,  to  shun  Reform; 


The  object^  the  undrjerted  object  of  France  is  fHS  ovERtHRor/  of 
EycLjyD.'  A^o.9  NosTRAfjuE,  the  form  of  our  government^  the  funda- 
mental lavjs^  and  the  principles  by  which  property  is  acknowledged  and 
secured.  These  have  been  attacked  by  assault,  by  storm,  by  breach,  by 
sedition,  by  the  arms  of  ribaldr)',  of  obscenity,  of  blasphemy.  At  one 
time  they  open  upon  us  the  floodo;ates  of  treason  and  madness,  at  another 
they  sap  the  foundation  by  a  circuitous  stream  winding  and  working  un- 
perceived.  We  appeal  to  facts  and  actions,  not  to  promises  and  declara- 
tions. They  know  that  a  Revolution  can  alone  be  effected  by  a  political 
Reform.  There  is  no  other  mode.  I  speak  not  of  conquest  by  war.  A 
state  may  prove  bankrupt ;  but  I  would  inculcate  it  with  peculiar  earnest- 
ness,   that,    A    REVOLUTION    IS    NOT    fHE    NECESSART    CONSEQUENCE    OF 

BANiZRVPrcr.     I  view  with  fear  the  finances  cf  Great  Britain,  but  not 
without  a  rational  hope  of  final,  though  tardy  restoration.*    The  proposal 

*  In  the  year  1740,  Lord  Bolingbrokc  v.Tote  to  Sir  W.  Wyudi:ain 
on  the  state  of  public  affairs,  during  the  Secession  from  Parliament. 

"  The  British  Constitution  of  Government  is  at  a  great"  crisis, 
'*  which  must  turn  either  to  life  or  death.  The  disease  cannot  be  long' 
"  borne.  God  knows,  whether  the  remedies  can."  Coxe's  Memoirs  of 
Sir  Robert  Walpole.  Correspondence;  Vol.  3,  p.  351-  Fifty-eight 
years  have  passed  since  this  was  written.  The  state  of  the  National  Debt 
at  that  period  and  the  danger  of  Jacobinism,  may  be  compared  with  the 
burthen  of  the  present  time,  and  the  horrors  of  French  Jacobinism.  The 
present  seceders  from  Parliament  will  do  well  to  consider  their  predecessors 
in  this  ridiculous,  or  rather  v/icked,  scheme.  Bolingbroke,  in  a  subse- 
quent letter  to  Sir  W.  Wyndham,  says ;  '•  The  Jacobite  party  in  Britain 
"  is  an  un-o^ganized  lump  of  inert  matter  without  a  principle  o? life  or  ac- 
"  tion  in  it,  capable  of  mobility  perhaps,  but  more  capable  of  divisibilityj 
*'  and  utterly  void  of  spontaneous  motion."  (Coxe's  Memoirs.  Vol.  3.  p. 
555.)  If  it  were  possible  to  describe  a  party  by  its  opposite  qualities,  how 
curious  and  fearful  it  is  to  contrast  the  modern  French  Jacobin  Faction 
ki  Great  Britain.     Whatever  be  its  size,  or  dimenF.ions,  it  is  nothing  but 


[      360      ] 
To  mark  man's  intellect,  its  strength  and  bound, 


of  Reform  is  iny  specific  apprehension.  I  would  strenuously  resist  all  the 
proposers  of  Reform  ;  IMr.  Pitt  formerly,  and  Mr.  Grey  at  present.  I  con- 
fess I  never  could  understand  the  great  Lord  Chatham's  celebrated  expres- 
sion of  "  infusing  a  portion  of  neio  health  into  the  constitution  to  enable 
"  it  to  bear  its  infirmities."  Junius  (in  his  veiy  last  letter)  calls  it  "  bril- 
"  liant  and  full  of  intrinsic  wisdom."  For  my  own  part,  I  think  it  but 
false  glitter  and  full  of  intrinsic  nonsense,  when  applied  politically.  It 
is  mere  ra^-e  of  metaphor.  It  is  to  call  the  mind  a  sheet  of  white  paper, 
till  at  last  we  are  brought  to  think  the  resemblance  to  be  the  very  thing 
signified.      The  use  of  metaphor  is  to  illustrate,  not  to  prove. 

Government,  take  it  in  any  of  its  complex  forms,  can  be  carried  on 
but  in  three  ways:  by  unsullied  principle  and  undeviating  virtue  in  the 
Governors,  and  perhaps  in  the  people ;  by  force  and  terror;  or  by  miiigated 
law  and  iniiuence.  Who  does  not  wish  for  the  first?  Who  expects  to  see 
it?  In  states  highly  civilized,  the  mixed  mode  of  law  and  influence  on  the 
minds  of  free  agents  appears  to  me  the  only  mode  in  which  tranquility, 
security,  and  general  happiness  can  be  tolerably  preserved,  with  the  allow- 
ance of  human  frailty.  I  detest  corruption,  open  or  secret,  as  much  as 
any  man.  But  when  I  see  an  assembly  formed  on  any  principles  however 
sublime,  or  deep,  or  disinterested,  I  remember  it  is  formed  of  men.  Me- 
nander  said  long  ago;  Av&^mto^I  ly.xv/i  Trpo^pxa-i?.  It  is  man;  his  name 
explains  the  rest.  I  never  will  consent  to  think,  that  Government  is  a 
matter  of  perpetual  experiment.  I  would  graft  new  regulations  upon  the 
old  principles  by  a  very  gradual  removal  of  what  is  absurd,  obsolete,  use- 
less, or  an  incumbrance.  It  was  the  boast  of  Citizen  Lord  Stanhope,  that 
he  would  teach  the  Judges  law,  and  the  Bishops  religion.  I  have  no 
such  am.bition :  but  at  present  I  would  recommend  to  Charles  Abbott,  Esq. 

orgiinization,  quick  matter^  life  and  action^  immobility  in  principle^  full  of 
spontaneous  motion^  one  and  indivisible. 

Sic  furiis  Caci  mens  efFera;  nee  quid  Inausum 

Aut  intractatum  scclerlsve  dolive  I 


C      361      ] 
Nor  deem  stability  on  change  to  found; 

Member  of  Parliament,  the  new  Digestar  of  our  Laws,  not  to  be  too 
subtle  in  the  process.  Mr.  Abbott  is  a  gentleman  of  learning,  virtue, 
ability,  and  upright  conduct;  but  in  such  a  cause  the  best  among  us  must 
be  warned  of  the  danger  of  experiment.  'O^^/pa,-  e|vj,  »  Trance,  cipciM^nf 
said  the  Father  of  Physic  in  the  depth  of  his  aphori'smic  wisdom.  But 
caution  is  not  timidity.  It  is  not  every  political  chemist  who  can  throw 
ofFinto  his  work  the  spirit  of  legislation,  unmingled  with  grosser  dregs 
and  feculence  of  the  mass. 

Let  us  nowj  and  at  all  times,  be  vigilant  with  determinate  courage. 
We  know,  beyond  the  possibility  of  a  doubt,  ivbat  freedom,  ivhat  equal- 
ity of  power  among  the  citizens,  what  sameness,  what  fraternity,  what 
comfort,  what  happiness,  and  what  security  France  has  offered,  and  given 
too,  to  all  countries,  who  have  either  bowed  voluntarily,  or  have  been 
subjected,  to  her  tyranny.  Take  Cicero's  expressions.  As  to  themselves; 
"  Licet,  quod  videtur,  publicum  judicare:  quod  judicaverint,  vendere." 
As  to  other  nations,  friend  or  foe;  "  Perspici  non  potest,  utrum  severitas 
"  acerbior,  an  benignitas  quxstuosior  sit."  Such  are  the  words  in  that 
elaborate  and  consummate  Oration  on  the  Agrarian  Law,  which  every 
man  would  do  well  to  read  and  consider  in  the  original,  or  in  a  transla- 
tion. It  is  peculiarly  pertinent  to  the  present  time.  When  Demosthenes 
raised  his  mighty  voice  against  a  decree  proposed  by  Aristocrates,  he 
bespoke  the  attention  of  his  audience  as  to  a  private  man,  who  had  neither 
part  in  the  administration  of  the  state,  nor  influence  from  his  connections. 
He  bespoke  their  favour  on  this  ground.  He  thouglit  the  interest  of 
Athens  was  alone  a  sufficient  plea.  "  E-rs<3«v  n^i  -nav  ivo^hiivTuy  tiftx?, 
**  aoi  rav  •^iTrtXnivft.ivuv  Koti  Trumvoj^ifav  •Trajg'  vfny  6>v,  ■rpoiyfAx  ryiXtKHTov 
"  (p»fci  ^ii^ay  -riTrpxyfAivov."*  For  my  own  part  'without  any  other  preten- 
sion, political  or  literary,  than  the  love  I  feel  to  my  country,  her  laws, 
her  religion,  her  ordinances,  and  her  government,  and  the  labour  I  have 
exerted  to  understand  and  to  preserve  them,  I  would  earnestly  and  affec- 
tionately remind  my  Countrymen  in  this  perilous  and  perssing  hour,  of 

*  KxTsi  Ap*o-rsx^«T«?.   Demcsth.  Op.  Gr.  Benen.  1570.  p.  403. 


[      362      ] 
To  feel  with  Mirabeau  that  "Words  are  Things,"3 


the  eloquent  words  of  Demonax,  as  they  arc  recorded  by  Luc'ian ;  "  Con- 
"  stitutions  and  doctrines  like  these  you  ivill  never  decree,  till  you  have  first 
"  removed  or  overthrown  the  altar  of  jiercy!"  Tlie  words  nf  the 
original  are  lull  of  dignity  :  "  M.j  -tt^otioov  u  ASiivxax,  ■yyi'pnTt'yh,  «v  jttn  t» 
"  EAEOT  Ten  te&i^ov  ;4«fls-A«T8."*. 

g  A  celebrated  saying  of  the  famous  Mirabeau,  in  the  beginning 
of  the  French  Revolution. — I  would,  in  this  concluding  note,  observe 
with  great  earnestness  and  affection  to  my  Country,  that  in  all  the  de- 
partments of  society,  government,  religion,  or  literature,  the  French"  have 
at  all  times  maintained  ojje  unvarying  system  of  deception,  when 
under  the  ancient  monarchy,  or  now  under  the  iron,  unrelenting  tyranny 
of  their  new  republic.  Their  manner  of  reasoning  is,  and  always  has 
been,  sophistical.  We  are  in  perpetual  danger  of  being  misled  by  the 
appearance  of  reason.  We  have  always  ground  for  distrust.  Take  a 
specimen  from  thousands  and  tens  of  thousands  of  instances.  Many 
years  ago,  in  a  collection  entitled  "  Lettres  Histcriques  et  Politiques," 
&  French  Statesman  used  these  words  to  Mr.  D'Alembert.  "  Je  ne  veux 
"  point  admettre  dans  les  arrets  de  Conseil  un  vrai  trivial.,  un  clarte  trop 
"  familiare.  Je  veux  un  vrai  de  recherche,  une  clarte  elegante,  une 
"  naivete  fine,  toute  brillante  de  termes  pompeux^  relevcs  inopinement  de 
*'  phrases  arrondies,  do  vocatifs  intcrmediaires  et  d'  advcrbes  indefinis."* 
Nothing  can  be  more  characteristic  of  French  Statesmen.  Be  but  sufPi- 
ciently  unintelligible,  have  but  your  vocatifs  intcrmediaires  et,  your  ad- 
verbes  indef.nis,  and  the  business  is  done.  Language  without  meaning, 
phrases  to  blind  the  people,  and  ideas  to  delude.  But  when  the  scheme 
is  accomplished,  and  when  tbey  obtain  the  porjer,  their  language  is  per- 
fectly intelligible. 

Next  ta!<e  an  instance  in  Literature.  Men  of  learning  have  always 
had  a  proper  value  for  the  Greek  language,  by  reasons  too  obvious  for 
me  to  state.     In  general  the  French  are  ignorant  of  it.     Indeed  Mr.  Ca- 

*  Lucian,  Demonax,  p.  555.  Ed.  Fol.  Bourdelotii. 
t  Lett.  Hist,  et  Polit.  Vol.  4.  p.  176. 


t      363      ] 
While  in  Delusion's  ear  their  magic  rings, 


nius  (the  Deputy)  some  time  ago  published  an  edition  of  Aristotle,* 
TItfi  Zuuv,  moderate  enough  as  I  thought  from  a  sliglit  inspection.  But 
in  general  the  French  Philosophers,  who  by  their  works  prepared  the  Re- 
volution, are  perpetually  despising  or  ridiculing  the  Greek  language.  I 
only  speak  of  their  manner  of  effecting  their  purpose.  One  of  the  acutest, 
most  dangerous,  and  most  insidious  of  them  all,  Mr.  D'Alembert,  has 
these  words,  "  Ab,  si  vous  saviez  le  Grec  I — Geux  qui  s^avent,  oii  croient 
"  sjvoir,  I'Hebreu,  I'Arabe,  le  Syriaque^  le  Cophte  ou  le  Copte  (as  if  he 
cared  how  it  was  pronounced)  le  Fersan,  ou  le  Chinois,  pensent  et  par- 
lent,  df  menie  et  par  les  memes  ra:sons.''*     We  see,  that  the  French  Phi- 

*  I  know  not  whether  the  Freiich  have  been  taught  by  the  Citizen 
Commentator  Camus  to  have  recourse  to  the  metaphysics  of  Aristotle, 
when  he  declares  that  "  Fquality  is  really  Sameness  "  or  as  the  Stagyrlte 
himself  expresses  it,  'H  Ij-otjij,  '£v«T;;.;.t  The  French  Commentators  never 
vary  in  their  sense.  With  his  Blagna  Moralia  they  have  nothing  to  do ; 
but  they  seem  marvellously  to  agree  with  him  respecting  the  dignity  and 
priority  of  the  science  and  practice  o/'(their)  politics^  in  ever)-  state  of 
Europe.  'II  HoMnx.-^  kv^kutxta  y-ai  af^trmro-HK/i.  Tiicc;  yx^  avcct  y^>iuv 
Tuv  iTriffT/iuaiv  tv  rxii  TloXse-i,  xeit  TToidi  iicxtmsi  f/,xv$civsiv,  xxi  f^^XP'  "*■"*?> 
'ATTH  AIATASSEll  I  am  grieved  to  add  the  words  which  follow: 
'Opuf^iv  roti  ivTiuorarci?  ru-i  Avvxuiaiv  'TIIO  TAYTHN  OTXAS  !  |  I  can- 
not also  help  observing,  that  mutatis  mutandis,  the  letter  of  h  modern 
French  General  to  any  State  resembles  one  from  a  Grecian  Courtesan  in 
Alciphron's  collection.  The  fraternal  and  meretricious  demand  are  not 
much  unhke.  Philumena  says  to  Crito,  "  Why  do  you  trouble  yourself  to 
"  write  so  often  ?  I  want  Fifty  (or  fifty  million)  pieces  of  Gold;  I  do 
"  not  want  letters :  If  you  love  me  give  me  money  1  Farewell.  (Health 
"  and  Fraternity!" )  The  Greek  is  more  emphatic :  "  Uiviyiy-ovrx  y^ov^fuy 
*'  h.i,  x.cii  yfxiJt,u.cirMv  8  hi.  EI  ME  <I>IAEIS,  AOS."  Alciphron.  Lib.  i. 
Ep.  4.0.  Edit.  Bergleri  1 791.  p.  61. 

*  D'Alembert  Melanges  de  Literature  et  de  Pliilosophie,  Vol.  5. 
p.   526. 

t  Arist.  Metaphys.  L.  10,  C.  3.     \  Arist.  Ethic.  Nicliom.  L.  i.  C.  2. 


[      364      ] 
Through  states,  or  armies,  in  the  camp,  or  street, 

losopher  by  confounding  the  Arabinc,  Coptic,  Sjriac,  and  Chinese,  with 
the  Greek,  insinuates  that  there  is  an  equal  use  in  them  all,  that  is,  to 
the  generality  of  scholars  and  to  tlie  world  at  large,  little  or  no  use  at  all. 
71iis  does  not  merit  any  answer  ;  but  we  see  the  nature  of  a  French  Phi- 
losopher's proof,  and  the  manner  of  bis  argument.  In  short,  he  either 
kno\vs  every  thing,  or  there  is  no  manner  of  use  at  all  in  any  thing  that 
he  does  not  know. 

1  think  from  continued  observation,  I  understand  the  nature  of  these 
men.  Their  literature,  their  politics,  their  philosophy,  all  terminate  in 
the  same  point.  "  Croyez  Moi,"  are  the  words,  whether  they  speak  ta 
an  individual,  or  to  the  nations  of  the  universe. 

Now,  since  the  Revolution, /roHZ  reasoning  they  have  betaken  them- 
selves to  single  nvords.  Deception  still.  Mirabeau  said  true,  "  Words 
"  are  things."  I  cannot  help  observing  that  the  Athenians  (whose  go- 
vernment was  popular,  and  consequently  tyrannical,  and  manured  with  the 
blood  of  her  own  citizens)  had  a  custom  of  softening  the  appellation  of 
things  which  naturally  conveyed  an  idea  of  terror.  This  may  be  found 
in  ;i  most  curious  extract,  preserved  by  the  very  learned  Photius  from 
tlie  4xh  book  of  the  Chrestomathia  of  Helladius  Bf.santinous  ;  the 
words  are  these.  "  To  jwti  ov<r^ti/^x.  Xiyiiv  ttSs-*  rots  TlxXxtoi^  ppovrt?  tiv, 
"  iiiX.>.i<rTX  5s  7DI?  A^Yivaioii'  dio  x.xt  ro  Aitruarttptcv  oiK/i/^a  sicxX^v,  kui  tov 
"  A>!«<ov  Ko<v9»,  TXi  oi  T.ptvvvx?  tnt^vxi  6ix%'  x.tX."  Photii  Bibliuthec.  Sec. 
279.  p.  1 5 93*  Ed.  1653.  In  the  same  manner  the  French  apply  tiie 
ttr.ns.  Equality,  Liberty,  Fraternity,  Sec*  for  Tyranny,  Desolation,  Op- 
pression and  Plunder.  This  is  well  understood.  It  would  be  presump- 
tion to  enlarge  on  this  subject  to  a  kingdom  so  enlightened,  so  dignified, 
and  I  may  add,  so  prepared  as  Great  Britain. 

We  have  every  thing  to  lose.  We  have  under  our  own  form  of 
government,  comfort,  protection,  honour,  security,  and  happiness.  The 
price  of  preserving  them  is  indeed  great,  very  great;  but  the  price  of 
anarchy,  reform,  and  inextricable  confusion,  would  be  greater  beyond  all 
calculation.  We  have  a  foe  powerful  and  perhaps  unrelenting.  But  all 
states  yield  at  last  to  circumstances;  and  policy  may  grant  what  affection 


[      365      ] 

And  now  a  School  revolts,  and  now  a  Fleet.    660 


■would  refuse.  The  most  ardent  wish  of  my  heart  is  A  secure  Peace, 
after  a  war  forever  to  be  deplored,  bloody,  fatal,  and  expensive  beyond 
all  example;  but  which  I  always  believed,  and  still  believe,  to  have  been 
iNEVifARLK.  We  have  still  many  and  great  resources ;  but  the  times 
never  called  with  so  loud  and  so  commanding  a  voice  for  wisdom,  dis- 
cernment, and  integrity,  for  temperate,  timely,  and  gradual  concession 
with  dignity  and  security,  and  for  an  oeconomy  rigid  and  undeviating, 
on  the  part  of  our  governors.  The  times  call  equally  for  obedience,  syste- 
matic acquiescence  under  temporary  pressure,  alacrity  in  defence,  and 
vigilance  and  loyalty,  and  steadiness,  in  all  the  subjects  of  this  land.  We 
have  no  need  of  the  Roman  Armilustrium  ;  our  arms  are  purified  already. 
Our  Soldiers  are  loyal  and  honourable,  and  without  spot.  They  have  been 
■weighed  in  the  balance,  and  found  perfect.  And  I  trust  our  naval  flag 
will  never  again  wave  but  in  defiance  to  our  enemies.  We  are  not  lost, 
if  we  continue  firm. 

I  see  the  ancient  marks  of  our  country  in  every  loyal  countenance.  I 
would  give  life  to  every  one  who  thinks,  and  loves  our  great  kingdom 
and  its  constitution.  In  times  of  national  distress  Poets  have  sometimes 
found  means  to  invigorate  the  public  mind,  and  to  confirm  its  stability. 
1  speak  indeed  of  the  days  of  old,  "  the  image  of  our  antique  world." 
But  now,  when  the  Temple  and  the  Citadel,  the  worship  and  the  strength, 
and  the  constitution  of  our  forefathers  are  to  be  venerated  and  defended^ 
it  is  happy  that  we  can  trace  and  find  these  powers,  each  in  their  order. 

We  may  be  reminded  of  all  that  was  depicted  In  the  fabled  palace 
where  the  deities  once  assembled  in  full  consistory : 

Signa  tamen,  Divumque  tori,  et  quern  quisque  sacrarat 
Accubitu  genioque,  locus  monstrantur!* 

£ui  I  fable  not:  we  have  not  the  images,  but  the  very  things  before  us; 
and  the  words  of  poetry  are  set  off  by  the  superior  force  of  truth. 

We  must  remember  that  all  the  leagues  of  French  Factions  and  theu 
leaders,  in  England  or  in  any  countrj',  never  relent.     Thejr  know  not 

*  Statius  Achill.  L.  i. 


[      366      ] 
Go,  warn  in  solemn  accents,  bold  and  brief, 


the  meaning  of  the  term.  There  Is  as  miich  mercy  in  them,  to  use  the 
phrase  of  Shakspeare,  as  there  is  milk  in  a  male  Ti^er.  If  they  are 
called  upon  to  retract,  or  to  declare  tiieir  full  purpose,  or  to  render  their 
reasons  to  the  country,  they  give  us  manefestos  and  declarations  from 
their  clubs.  They  tell  us  of  corruption,  and  reform,  and  all  the  sophisms 
of  anarchy  and  revolution.  So  thundered  the  Orator  of  Athens  against 
such  men:  ''  Avn,  ra  onroo'iivix.i,  u-o'piffu.oirix,  ivpiTKHvi,  icai  Trct^ct-ypx^eig,  text 
"  Trpoipxffii;.,  -71  &v:iporxT6i  xnCfwrMv  xect  cJoiKMrcfroi,^''*  But  Justice  has  her 
balance,  and  the  sword  is  not  borne  in  vain.  "  At  home,  (I  take  the 
"  words  of  Sir  John  Finch  in  the  4th  of  Charles  I.)   at  any  rate  Autho- 

"  RITY    MUST     BE    VINDICATED  frOlU    contempt,    SINCE    THE     LIFE    OF 

*'  GOVERNMENT  IS  REPUTATION."  And  wc  should  remember,  that 
"  None  are  so  bold  as  the  factious  in  company,  none  so  fearful  apart." 
We  may  have  good  hope,  for  v/e  have  a  good  cause.  When  perhaps 
the  greatest  statesman  and  the  greatest  orator  that  ever  headed  an  oppo- 
sition, demands  an  audience  of  his  Sovereign,  I  would  willingly  suppose, 
that  the  principle  of  his  heart  is  not  democratic  :  though  I  think  h's  prin- 
ciples in  general,  are  very  dangerous  at  this  time.  I  would  hope  we  may 
be  redeemed. 

It  was  the  boast  of  the  Roman  Emperor  Augustus,  that  he  found  the 
city  of  brick,  and  left  it  of  marble.  I  trust  we  shall  not  reverse  this  memo- 
rable saying.  I  trust  that  the  public  credit  of  the  nation  will  revive,  and 
that  in  this  respect,  when  speaking  of  Mr.  Pitt,  it  v.'ill  not  be  engraven 
with  an  iron  pen  and  in  the  rock  of  England  forever,  "  Aurca^n  invenit, 
"  chartaceam  reliquit."  I  think  I  can  discern  the  firm  establishment  of 
lawful  constitutional  power  in  the  plunges  of  meditated  convulsion;  and 
the  return  of  day  in  the  moment  of  greatest  obscuration.     I  have  loved 

*  Demosthenes,  Orat.  flpo;  Aotjcpjra  Tcoi.pot.y^a.'p-Av — Dem.  Ed.  Gr.  Bene- 
nati  1570.  p.  ^46.  Why  will  not  our  Statesmen  iJac/;;  Demosthenes  ?  Is 
he  not  allowed  to  be  the  very  first  political  Orator  ?  Mr.  Fox  virtually 
luiderstands  his  manner  better  than  any  man  in  England.  He  does  not 
exert  it  for  the  game  good  end. 


[      367      ] 

The  slumb'ring  Minister,  or  factious  Chief; 


my  country  from  my  earliest  years,  from  a  conviction  of  the  excellence 
of  the  Constitution  and  of  that  balanced  liberty  it  was  formed  to  maintain. 
I  am  grateful  for  the  protection  and  the  blessings  it  has  afforded,  and  is 
yet  mighty  to  preserve. 

I  am  again.,  (much  against  my  will,  and  I  sincerely  apologize  for 
repeating  the  subject,)  finally  called  upon  to  declare  with  solemnity,  and 
with  that  truth  Vv'hich  1  have  ever  revered  and  preserved,  that  this  whole 
composition,  verse  and  prose,  Is  the  work  of  one  hand.  In  this  assertion 
I  have  no  mental  reservation.  I  never  wore  the  weeds  of  Dominick,  or 
drank  from  the  cup  of  Loyola.  If  this  declaration  will  not  suffice,  I 
shall  leave  the  sable  birds  of  detraction  to  the  hoarseness  of  their  own 
clamours,  and  to  the  worms  on  which  they  fted.  I  shall  soar  upward  to 
the  SvHUxe  and  fountain  of  light.  It  is  also  frequently  insinuated  and 
sometimes  boldly  asserted,  to  be  written  in  conjimction  with  many  learned 
and  eloquent  friends  in  the  groves  and  retreats  of  our  beloved  Academe, 
It  is  true  Indeed,  "  By  the  waters  of  Cam  I  have  sat  down  and  wept,  when 
"  I  remembered  thee,  O  Slon!  as  for  my  harp,  I  have  often  hanged  it 
"  up  among  the  trees  that  are  therein."  I  wished  to  "  sing  one  of  the 
"  songs  of  Slon."  But,  as  it  seems.  It  is  an  honourable  Conspiracy.,  a  Con- 
spiracj  to  vindicate,  to  recommend,  and  to  uphold  the  cause  of  govern- 
ment, of  Christian  religion,  of  learning,  and  of  good  manners.  Would  It 
were  so!  Such  united  talents  might  do  their  perfect  work.  I  have  only 
to  lament  the  unworthlness  of  him  who  has  presumed,  without  assistance 
or  co-operation,  to  undertake  that  office  alone; 

"  To  intermit  no  tvatcb 
"  Agaixst  the  wakeful  foe,  and  wide  abroad, 
"  Through  all  the  coasts  of  dark  destruction.,  seek 
"  Deliverance  for  us  allI" 

If  indeed  I  had  either  personal  hope,  or  personal  fear,  In  the  political 
or  in  the  literary  world,  I  think  it  v/lU  be  allowed  that  1  i-hculd  not  have 
published  tills  work.  He  nuist  reconcile  contradictions  who  will  dispute 
this  assertion.      Whom  have  I  courted?   to  whom  have  I  bov.'^d  r     Arbi- 


[      368      ] 

Mourn  proudest  empires  prostrate  in  the  dust, 
Tiaras,  fanes,   and  pontiffs,  crown  and  bust. 


trary  power  in  any  shape  is  my  abhyrrence.  I  have  \valked  in  the  school 
of  Locke,  and  have  passed  through  that  of  Sidney.  But  T  have,  in  this 
hour  of  maturest  reflection,  approved  and  held  fast  tlie  tempered  doctrines 
which  uphold  governmenr  and  prevent  confusion. 

In  the  political  matters  of  this  time,  my  suit  and  service  is  not  ven- 
dercd personally  to  Mr.  Pitt.  Up07i  me  he  can  have  noc'aim.  My  service 
is  to  my  Country,  and  my  praise  to  the  Minister  of  the  Crown  of  Great 
Britain.  Mv  praise  is  to  him,  who  by  deliberate  and  undaunted  firmness, 
with  an  unblenched  dignity,  by  commanding  powers  in  speech  and  argu- 
ment, and  by  vigorous  measures,  though  without  that  promptitude  of 
decision  which  marked  his  great  Father,  has  preserved  and  supported 
(long  may  he  preserve  and  support  them !)  the  principle  and  stability  of 
the  English  government  and  constitution.  The  main  voice  of  Englatid 
goes  with  me  in  this,  Sucli  I  esteem  Mr.  Pitt:  as  such  1  honour  him. 
Am  I  his  enemy?  I  see  his  errors  and  his  vices  too,  and  I  lay  no  flattering 
unction  to  them.  T  am  alive  to  all  his  public  virtues,  and  I  would  correct 
their  aberrations,  for  they  are  many. 

As  to  Mr.  Fox;  that  he  has  not  discerned  the  signs  of  these  times,  I 
will  not  assert ;  but  that  his  imprudence,  his  unbridled  licence  of  Imgua'Tc, 
and  his  plunging  desperate  doctrines  in  times  like  these,  in  and  out  of  Par- 
liament, have  alienated  the  mind  of  his  country /rom  him^  that  I  will 
maintain.  If  I  were  to  give  credence  to  all  hiS  speeches  which  I  have 
either  heard  or  read,  I  must  declare  them  to  be  the  doct'nnes  of  a  luan 
ripe  and  ready  for  any  revolution.  If  he  is  honest  in  his  opinion,  1  can 
neither  think  nor  pronounce  him  honest  to  his  country.  He  should  not 
have  thus  exhibited  himself  in  the  House,  or  on  the  Hustings.  Noa  hoc 
ista  sibi  tempus  spectaciila poscit !  I  pass  over  the  primrose  path  of  dalliance 
on  St.  Anne's  Hill;  though  I  would  fain  cast  a  withering  look  on 
the  nocturnal  orgies  of  dicing  depredation  and  of  p^itiiciap  plupder 
before  the  walls  of  che  palace,  in  tlie  veiy  fa.  e  of  a  virtuous  jUC'  inpiuted 
Sqvekkign.      I  will  separate  tlie  man  from  the  reader  ot  opposition.     I 


[      369      ] 

And  last,  as  through  the  smould'rmgflamesyoaturn, 
Snatch  the  Palladium^  though  the  Temple  burn.  666 

am  ready  to  bow,  and  I  do  bow,  to  his  genius,  to  his  political  eloquence 
■without  an  equal,  to  his  knowledge  various,  deep,  and  extensive.  His 
pleasantry,  his  social  friendly  disposition,  and  the  good  temper  of  his  private 
conversation  are  acknowledged.  But  if  he  is  ever  to  direct  the  councils 
of  this  kingdom,  he  must  tread  back  almost  all  his  steps.  If  he  turns  to 
OUR  government,  he  must  be  born  again. 

With  opinions  bold  and  candid  as  these  I  might  obtain  some  respect 
and  perhaps  some  attention  from  the  public,  but  I  could  hardly  please 
either  Mr.  Pitt  or  Mr.  Fox.  If  I  sought  personal  fame  ;  my  motive  is 
still  more  visionary.  No  man  can  account  for  it.  He  who  loved  fame 
best,  said  of  it,  "  Just  what  you  hear,  you  have."  I  am  wliolly  unknown. 
It  is  very  proper  that  I  should  be  so.  Yet  I  would  be  understood  even 
on  this  point.  I  have  not  the  sacred  fear  of  a  coward,  but  the  deliberate 
courage  which  is  Inspired  by  reflection,  and  the  confidence  which  I  am 
proud  to  repose  in  honourable  friendship.  Some  literary  enterprizes  are 
indeed  rather  hazardous  in  their  nature.  Mine  are  of  that  number.  Yet 
I  love  decorum  and  I  would  be  guided  by  discretion ;  but  it  is  not  the 
form  only  of  those  virtues,  refined  through  certain  strainers,  tliat  I 
would  preserve,  it  is  the  spirit.  I  would  have  gentleness  -svlthout  timi- 
dity, and  decision  without  presumption.  But  I  must  feel  the  pressing 
nature  of  the  time,  tlie  burdens,  the  terrors,  the  perils,  and  the  necessity 
OF  THE  STATK.  Whoever  would  do  a  public  service,  must  forget  him- 
self. His  remuneration  is  from  within.  As  to  myself,  however  unavail- 
ing my  actions,  my  sentiments,   my  abilities,  or  my  services,  they  are 

UNKNOWN,  UNBOUGHT,    UNSOLICITED,    and    5/6fl//  /'f  UNALTERED.       In 

spirit,  in   principle,   and  in   aifection,   my  words  and  my  thoughts  are 

these  : 

Non  ante  revellar-y 
llxaniniem  quam  ti  compltctar  Roma,  tmimque 
Nomen  Libkrtas,  tt  inaneni  proscquar  umbram  / 

TH£    KND  OF   THK  POKM. 

3  A 


I 


A  TRANSLATION,  &c. 


A  TRANSLATION 

OF  THE 

GREEK,  LATIN,  ITALLVN,  AND  FRENCH  TASSAGES 

Q.rOTEn  IN'   THE 

PREFACES  A.VD  jXOTES 

TO  THL 

PRECEDINCx  POEM. 


TO   WHICH  IS  PREFIXED, 

A  PREFATORT  EPISTLE, 

INTENDED  AS 

A  tiEXEEAL  VINDICATION   OF  THE  SAID   POEM,    TROM  VAUIOUS 
KEMARKS  WHICH  HAVE  BEEN   MADE  UPON   IT. 

BY  THE  TRANSLATOR. 


— rxi  Kxipo;  xpta-ra;. 

£'/«>  lAIOE  EN  KOINn  TraX-n, 

JloXltcov  t'  IV  iifOJiat;  xoiTciiciv, 

Ov  ■\^iva-of.i:ii.  P:iul.  Olvmp.  0.  \},. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PKIXTED   BY   H.  MAXWELL,    FOR   A.  DICKINS,  BOOKS  KLLEIl, 
NORTH    SECOND  STREET,  OrFOSirE  CHRIST-CHUKCII. 

1800. 


A  PREFATORY  EPISTLE 


PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE,  &c.  &c.  &c. 


ADDRESSf:D 


TO  L.  B ,  ESQ. 


Post  resides  annos,  longo  velut  excita  somno, 

Romanis  fruitur  Musa  {Britanna)  choris  : 
Sed  magis  intento  studium  censore  laborat 
Qpdd  legltur  medio  conspiciturque  foro. 
lUi  conciliat  gratas  impensius  auras, 
Vel  meritum  belli,  vel  StiUchonU  amor. 


A  PREFATORY  EPISTLE, 

ADDRESSED 

TO  L.  B ,  Esq. 


Tft)    5ro6vv. 


INTENDED  AS  A  GENERAL  VINDICATION  OF  "THE  PURSUITS 
"  OF  LITERATURE,  A  POEM  IN  FOUR  DIALOGUES,  WITH 
"notes;"  FROM  VARIOUS  REMARKS  WHICH  HAVE  BEEN 
MADE  UPON   IT. 


Toy  roTTov  oict>\it7ritV  ftridi  axTTrip  STEpsf?,  oi^rt^ctvov  otr/tv  otTrtg^xwoMyixi 
ivUffxyifD.  AXXx  oe«  ccvro  fiovoy  to  TCf ox.it fcivov  1,vyy^oif/,f<,x  Trpas-TJj- 
trxf4,iviSi,  irr'  oi^iy  xyitv  rot?  (T-)(/tXx^\i(Tt  tyiv  Tlpoha-tv,  dapivvofciym,  to 
itaoi,  Tjjy  vA>)y,  rx  ooyfiXTX  <rt;y))p)9^£»»j,  tjjv  at'  oXa  rtt  "Svyyfx/^- 
[AKTOi  of/ixtsvxv  rut  Xoyun  vTroSta-tv.  'Ovru)  yxp  xv  rot?  xfcauTt  yivotro 
xxrx^xvi?  T«  5T«y  ^aXyt/ax  Tf2N  AIAAOrf2N. 

Ex  Procli  Commentariis  i?i  Pla-Tonis   UoXiruxv.  Edit. 

Gr.  Easily  ^534*  P*  349- 


Dear  Sir, 

1  HAVE  been  informed  that  repeated  requests  have 
beeen  made  to  the  publisher  of  "The  Pursuits  of  Literature," 
for  a  Translation  of  the  passages  from  various  languages  quoted  in  the 
Notes  to  that  Poem.  I  wish  the  Author  had  translated  them  himself; 
but  as  that  cannot  be  the  case,  I  have,  at  your  immediate  desire, 
endeavoured  to  give  you  some  idea  of  their  force  and  full  meaning.  As 
you  are  of  opinion,  that  my  attempt  will  not  be  disagreeable  or  unsatis- 
factory to  many  persons,  who  are  not  peculiarly  conversant  in  Greek 
and  Latin,  I  have  consented  to  print  and  publish  them. 

X  B 


[      378      ] 

The  Author  of  tlie  work  had  perhaps  too  much  respect  for  his  readers 
to  obtrude  a  translation  upon  them.  But  that  circumstance  is  no  reason 
why  a  friend  to  the  Author,  and  to  the  general  diffusion  of  the  learning, 
principles,  and  ilUistration  of  the  work,  should  decline  it.  Thev  who 
are  best  acquainted  with  the  dlfHculty,  will  most  readily  excuse  the  errors 
and  mistakes.  I  have  not  thought  it  expedient  to  present  you  with  a 
poetical  version  of  the  passages  from  the  Greek  and  Roman  bards,  for 
various  reasons.  But  independently  of  every  other  consideration,  I 
conceive,  that  a  translation  in  prose  always  gives  a  more  adequate 
and  precise  idea  of  their  strength  and  meaning,  than  the  most  finished 
attempt  in  verse,  to  those  who  are  not  acquainted  with  the  original 
language. 

The  Author  of  the  Pursuits  of  Literature  seems  to  have  produced 
them  to  enliven,  to  illustrate,  and  to  enforce  his  doctrines  and  opinions. 
I  think  also,  it  v/as  his  purpose  to  recall  and  fix  the  attention  of  the  pub- 
lic on  those  finished  models  of  ancient  learning,  the  great  directors  of 
taste  and  judgment,  and  to  their  best  disciples  and  imitators  in  the  modern 
ages.     I  wish  so  useful  an  intention  may  have  its  effect. 

As  to  the  various  languages  employed  in  the  work,  it  may  be  observed, 
that  a  noble  peer  of  this  realm  has  lately  followed  his  example.  1  know 
not  with  what  propriety.  The  Earl  of  Abingdon  has  regaled  an  illustri- 
ous Lady  of  the  house  of  Courtney,  not  only  with  his  own  English,  and 
that  of  the  Orator  of  the  University  of  Oxford,  the  Reverend  William 
Crowe,  but  with  Greek,  Latin,  Italian,  and  French  in  the  original  lan- 
guages, from  Aristotle  to  Citizen  Gourvllle.  And  he  has  actually  per- 
formed ail  this  in  one  short  philosophical  Letter  to  Lady  Loughborough. (a) 
Who  shall  hereafter  blame  the  Author  of  tiie  P.  of  L.  or  my  zeal  to  ex- 
plain his  quotations? 

Since  the  publication  of  those  ingenious  and  witty  compositions  by 
Tickell  and  Sheridan,  "  Anticipation,  and  The  Critic;"  there  seems  to 
be  a  species  of  pleasant  ridicule  on  most  translations  oi  detached  passages. 
I   expect  to  be  told  by  seme   persons  that,  like  Colonel  Barre,  "  I  am 

a  A  letter  to  Lady  Loughborough  from  the  Earl  of  Abingdon,  in 
consequence  of  her  presentation  of  the  colours  to  the  Bloomsbury  and 
Inns  of  Court  Association,  1798. 


[     379     ] 

"  translating  for  the  Country  Gentlemen."  By  others  it  may  be  insinu- 
ated, that  "  Egad  tliey  think  the  interpreter  is  the  hardest  to  be  iinder- 
"  stood  of  the  t\vo."(b)  Especially  as  the  Author  of  the  Critic  iioiv 
deserves  himself  tlie  same  compliment  with  his  own  Mr.  Dangle,  upon 
his  talents  for  criticism,  and  bis  interest  nvitb  fiiE  Directors  of  the 
present  Fsench  Theatre.   '• 

But  if  I  have  only  to  encounter  the  objections  of  real  critics,  like 
yourself,  in  the  ancient  languages,  my  sufferings,  I  think,  will  be  light. 
I  only  hope  you  will  receive  it  kindly,  and  still  continue  to  think  me, 
*'  a  very  civil  gentleman-interpreter,  tr}'ing  to  make  myself  undcr- 
«  stood."  (b) 

I  have  as  much  curiosity  as  ever  I  had  to  discover  the  Author  of  the 
P.  of  L.  and  I  have  read  most  of  the  pamphlets  and  criticisms  on  the  sub- 
ject. Whoever  he  may  be,  he  has  at  least  been  honoured  with  great 
attention  by  the  public.  As  no  man  has  ever  yet  owned  the  composition, 
and  the  author  is  declared  to  be  still  unknown,  every  supposition  and 
conjecture  has  been  examined  with  a  minute  diligence,  and  every  mode 
oi proof  has  been  tried;  but  in  vain. 

It  is  the  advice  of  Cicero,  in  his  first  book  on  the  Duties  of  Life, 
"  Ne  incognita  pro  cognitls  habeamus."  It  is  also  generally  allowed, 
that  conjectures  are  at  best  too  light  a  pretence  to  allow  a  man  to  assign 
a  name  in  public.  But  notwithstanding  so  obvious  a  truth,  some  pro- 
nounce with  a  random  boldness,  others  give  signs  instead  of  names,  and 
then  plume  themselves  on  their  discoveries. 

"  In  so  many  words,  in  so  many  syllables,  or  in  so  many  letters,"  is 
the  old  and  approved  argument  of  the  shoulder  knot,  and  has  admira- 
ble use  in  the  present  case.  The  actual  concealment  however  remains 
the  same.  In  point  of  proof,  and  rational,  well-supported  conjecture,  it 
is  agreed  by  most  persons  of  sagacity,  and  fairness  of  character  and  un- 
derstanding, 

"  That  putting  all  their  proofs  together, 

"  'Tis  three  blue  beans  in  one  blue  bladder." 

Various  have  been  the  attempts  to  discredit  the  work.  Criticism,  in 
the  true  sense,  has  never  yet  been  exerted  ;  (c)   but  intemperate,   angry, 

b     Sheridan's  Critic,  act  i,  sc.  2. 


[      380      3 

and  smarting  scribblers,  in  prose  and  verse,  have  issued  forth  In  little 
swarms.  But  it  has  been  well  observed,  that  exceeding  fierceness  with 
perfect  inability  and  impotence,  makes  the  highest  ridicule. 

From  among  these  angry  and  smarting  scribblers,  I  shall  select  the 
Author  of  "  The  Progress  of  Satire,  an  Essay  in  verse,  Sec.  the  second 
"  edition ;"  not  for  any  merit  whatsoever  in  his  composition  (for  it  is 
remarkably  dull)  but  merely  for  the  singularly  petulant  malignancy,  and 
imposing  air  which  pervade  the  whole.  The  infamy  of  such  misrepresen- 
tation is  in  its  own  nature  perishable,  and  the  folly  transitory;  but,  for  the 
sake  of  the  example^  if  I  have  the  ability,  I  will  make  them  immortal. 
This  Author  I  shall  hereafter  call  for  shortness,  or  for  want  of  a  better 
name  The  Progressionist.  Whether  he  and  his  co-adjutors  scribble 
in  verse  or  prose,  they  prove  themselves  to  be  either  of  that  fabulous  race 
of  ''  men,  whose  heads  do  grow  beneath  their  shoulders,"  or  of  the  number 
of  those  unfortunate  persons,  "  whose  brain  is  shaken  out  of  its  natural 
"  position." 

They  are  perpetually  mistaking  one  thing  for  another.  With  the 
nature  and  signification  of  words  they  are  wholly  unacquainted.  It  would 
be  a  process  in  infinitum  to  define  the  words  which  they  use,  as  Mr.  Locke 
has  well  observed  on  the  names  of  simple  ideas.  In  their  vocabulary, 
satire  means  encomium,  and  severity,  good-nature.  They  might  as  well 
stile  the  law  of  a  country  ill-natured,  because  offenders  are  punished  b)'-  it. 
With  regard  to  anonymous  writing,  satirical  or  political,  opinions  are 
various.  But  I  think  it  was  said  wisely  and  justly  by  Junius*  to  Sir 
William  Draper;  "  After  voluntarily  attacking  me  under  the  name  of 
"  Junius,  what  possible  right  have  you  to  know  me  under  any  other?" 

c  I  am  rather  inclined  to  except  "  The  Remarks  on  the  Pursuits  of 
"  Literature,  in  a  Letter  to  the  Audior.  Printed  at  Cambridge."  It  is 
the  nroduction  of  a  polite  and  accomplished  scholar,  written  with  urban- 
ity, but  not  with  any  great  force  of  argument.  I  have  just  seen  a  full 
answer  to  it,  and  therefore  I  have  nothing  to  observe.  The  Answer  is 
stiled,  "  A  Letter  to  the  Author  of  that  Pamphlet,  by  a  Country  Gentle- 
^'  man,  formerly  of  the  University  of  Cambridge." 

*  Letter  25. 


1 


[      381      ] 

The  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  has  not  indeed  given  even  the  shadow  of  a 
name  to  himself ;  but  as  The  Progressionist  has  been  contented  also 
to  attack  him  under  the  title  of  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  it  may  be  as 
fairly  and  as  justly  demanded,  "  what  possible  right  can  the  Progressionist 
*'  have  to  know  him  under  any  other?"  But  for  one  anonymous  writer  to 
call  so  vehemently  upon  another  to  give  his  name  to  the  world,  must  be 
added  to  that  number  of  absurdities  which  he  has  bound  in  sheaves,  and 
stacked  so  plenteously  in  Mr.  Bell's  shop. 

The  Progressionist  seems  to  be  in  one  continued  raving  dream  upon  a 
bed  of  torture,  under  the  Influence  of  irritation  and  malevolence.  I  believe 
he  sees  double  suns,  and  double  booksellers  shops.  He  is  something  be- 
tween Pentheus  and  Orestes,  yet  perfectly  harmless.  What  his  literary 
sins  are,  I  know  not;  but  at  least  he  seem.s  to  suffer  for  other  people's 
transgressions.  He  rants  and  foams,  that  other  folks  follow  his  own 
example,  and  still  keep  their  names  to  themselves.  He  has  not  even  the 
sense  of  Mr.  Dabble,  the  Dentist,  in  the  exquisite  farce  of  the  Humourist, 
and  never  puts  a  plain  question  to  himself,  "  What  have  I  to  do  with 
the  violence  o£ Sir  Antonys  temper?"  He  has  indeed  a  strong  passion 
for  the^r^Wer^;  yet  like  Mrs.  Matador,  in  the  same  farce,  (as  will  be 
seen  hereafter)  one  would  think,  "  he  glories  in  having  bis  teeth  drawn." 
But  he  has  a  higher  original. 

Like  the  great  Knight  of  La  Mancha,  he  comes  forth  as  Redresser 
General  of  literary  wrongs,  and  has  an  unlimited  Commission  to  act  in 
the  same  manner,  and  nearly  to  the  same  effect.  He  is  said  to  have 
received  the  Order  of  his  calling  in  a  regular  manner.  He  passed  through 
every  ceremony  of  literary  knighthood,  having  kept  watch  in  complete 
armour  from  head  to  foot,  according  to  the  rites  of  chivalry,  during  one 
whole  night  over  a  pile  of  books,  ranged  in  order  on  the  counter  in  Mr. 
Bell's  shop,  in  Oxford  street.  For  at  present  booksellers  have  no  chapels 
in  their  castles  for  the  purpose.  But  it  was  observed,  that  no  person 
attempted  to  meddle  with  the  books,  which  might  easily  be  accounted 
for,  if  I  were  to  mention  their  names.  The  age  of  literary  chivalry  is  not 
yet  gone. 

The  Progressionist  was  then  let  loose  upon  the  world,  and  sallied 
forth  mounted  on  a  Provisional  charger,  though  a  Knight  without  a  name. 
Yet  he  threatened  much;  and  in  his  first  Essay  had  nearly  the  same  sue- 


[      382      ] 

cess  with  h;g  great  original.  You  remember  the  adventure  of  the  coun- 
tryman and  his  poor  boy  Andrew,  who  suffered  more  severely  from  the 
interference  of  the  Knight  in  his  behalf.  "  The  boy  departed  Vt'eeping, 
and  the  master  remained  behind  laughing.  And  in  this  manner,  says 
"  Cervantes,  the  valorous  Don  Q£ixote  redressed  that  wrong."  I  refer 
you  to  the  volume  itself,  in  which  is  recounted  the  pleasant  manner 
observed  in  the  knighting  Don  Quixote.  The  speech  of  self-congratula- 
tion on  that  occasion,  the  Progressionist  is  said  to  have  spoken,  and  applied 
to  himself  with  a  very  fevj  aitcratijns;  after  he  had  first  recommended 
himself  to  his  patroness,  or  literary  Dulcinea,  and  then  published  to  the 
world  his  "  Progress  of  Satire,"  and  completed  the  destruction  of  the  Au- 
thor of  the  Pursuits  of  Literature.  The  passage  is  this:  "  Glad  above 
"  measure  for  his  success,  cccounting  himself  to  have  given  a  most  noble 
"  beginning  to  bis  feats  of  arms,  Don  Quixote  did  travel  towards  his  village 
"  ivitb  very  great  satisfaction  of  himself  and  said  in  a  low  tone  of  voice ; 
"Well  mayst  thou  call  thyself  happy  above  all  other  women  of  the  earth  ; 
"  01  above  all  beauties,  beautiful  Dulcinea  of  Toboso,  since  thy  good 
"  fortune  was  such,  to  hold  subject  and  prostrate  to  thy  will  and  desire  so 
"  valiant  and  renowned  a  Knight  as  is,  and  ever  shall  be,  Don  Quixote  of 
"  the  Mancha;  v^ho,  as  all  the  world  knows,  received  the  order  of  knight- 
"  hood  but  yesterday,  and  has  destroyed  to  day  the  greatest  outrage  and 
"  ivrong,  which  want  of  reason  could Jorm,  or  cruelty  commit.  To  day 
"  did  he  take  away  the  whip  out  of  the  hand  of  That  pin  less  esemt^ 
"  who  did  so  cruelly  scourge,  without  occasion,  TnOSE  DELiCAfE  in- 
"  FANTs."  (a)  I  am  told  The  Progressionist  wished  to  have  the  Rever- 
end Dr.  Parr  behind  him  as  his  Squire,  and  offered  to  find  the  Doctor  a 
very  good  Ass  for  the  purpose;  but  that  delicate  infant  resisted  all  the 
proposed  honours  of  Barataria,  and  would  not  quit  his  village. 

On  Dr.  Parr's  refusal  to  act  the  part  of  Sancho,  and  the  impossibility 
of  procuring  a  proper  Squire,  The  Progressionist  quitted  the  plains  of  La- 
Mancba,  and  appeared  as  the  successor  and  rival  of  other  Knights  Errant 
in  fields  nearer  home. 

It  is  curious  to  observe,  how  The  PROGRESSiotfTST  strives  not  only 
to  imitate,  but  to  prove  himself  the  legitimate  descendant  of  various 

a     Sbclton's  translation  of  Don  Quixote,  b.  i.  cli.  4. 


[      383      ] 

heroes  of  tlie  Dunciad.  He  has  revived  all  the  trash  which  was  vented 
against  Mr.  Pope,  as  will  appear  by  a  short  coomparison.  The  prophecy 
of  the  bard  of  Twitnam  has  been  verified: 

"  See  the  dull  stars  roll  round,  and  re-appear  1" 
The  leaden  power  of  Saturn  has  prevailed  over  Mars  and  Jove.    Jerning- 
ha;n  and  the  Progressionist  have  risen  in  the  opposite  quarter  of  the  heaven, 
and  Gifford  and  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  have  looked  up,  and  read  their 
lot  united  in  those  coelestial  signs. 

Perhaps  it  is  but  doing  justice  to  their  Authors,  if  I  mention  a  name- 
less pamphlet  or  two,  which  probably  might  never  have  escaped  from  the 
lumber-room,  or  shop  of  the  Bookseller,  if  my  obscure  diligence  had 
not  extracted  and  preserved  them.  The  Authors  think  themselves 
very  laudable  in  their  intentions.  All  of  them,  and  the  Progression- 
ist in  particular,  have  verified  the  Arabian  observation,  that  whenever 
learning  is  introduced  into  a  brain,  whose  texture  is  not  adapted  to  receive 
it,  a  fermentation  ensues,  till  the  whole  is  exhausted.  Though  perhaps 
the  writer  of  the  P.  of  L.  never  read  them  himself,  I  could  have  assured 
him,  that  they  are  but  a  second  edition  of  Mr.  John  Dennis,  Mr.  Old- 
mixon,  and  the  soft-tiowing  Welsted !  If  you  turn  to  the  Prolegomena 
of  the  Dunciad,  the  testimonies  in  favour  of  Mr.  Pope,  are  nearly  the 
same  as  the  more  modern  compliments  of  these  poetaster-critics. 
All  black,  Tartareous,  cold,  infernal  dregs. 
Adverse  to  life  1 

Mr.  John  Dennis  thus  begins  of  Mr.  Alexander  Pope.  "  His  pre- 
*'  cepts  are  false  and  trivial,  or  both;  his  thoughts  are  crude  and  abortive; 
*'  his  expressions  absurd;  his  numbers  harsh  and  uivmiisical ;  his  rhymes 
"  trivial  and  common;  instead  of  majesty,  something  that  is  very  boyish; 
'*  and  instead  of  perspicuity  and  lucid  order,  we  have  too  often  obscurity 
•'  and  confusion."  Hear  another  description  of  him  by  this  most  ancient 
of  Critics.  "  He  (Mr.  Alexander  Pope)  is  a  little  affected  hypocrite,  who 
"  has  nothing  in  his  mouth  but  candour,  truth,  friendship,  good-nature, 
"  humanity,  and  magnanimity.  He  is  a  great  lover  of  falsehood,"  &c. 
Once  more  attend  to  the  furious  Dennis.  "  He  (Mr.  Pope)  is  a  creature 
"  that  reconciles  all  contradictions ;  he  is  a  beast  and  a  man;  a  Whig  and 
f'  a  Tory;    an  assertor  of  liberty,   and  the  dispensing  power  of  Kings  ;    a 


[      384      ] 

"  Jesuitical  professor  of  truth,  a  base  and  foul  p.eteuder  to  candour." 
As  I  intend  only  to  give  you  a  specimen,  I  shall  not  proceed. 

How  beautifully  has  The  PROCRESSiONisf,*  dilated  and  expanded 
his  predecessor's  ideas  1  With  what  reverence,  I  will  not  say  servility, 
but  homage,  does  he  tread  in  his  very  footsteps!  It  is  the  love  of  Lucre- 
tius for  Epicurus  1  Not  the  desire  of  contention,  but  of  honest,  affection- 
ate imitation.  Scarce  one  idea  of  his  own  if  you  change  the  names  of 
the  works. 

It  is  the  very  spirit  and  essence  of  Mr.  John  Dennis,  and  the  soft- 
flowing  Welsted,  with  now  and  then  some  of  Curl's  better  part,  and  a 
palpable  imitation  of  some  of  the  most  finished  strokes  in  a  late  modest 
iind  simple-minded  Translator  of  Horace.  But  now  attend  to  T.be  Pro- 
gressionist. 

"It  (i.  e.  the  Poem  on  the  P.  of  L.)  is  scarcely  ever  elegant,  but  some- 
"  times  it  has  a  degree  of  poetical  spirit ;  at  other  times  it  is  not  only 
"  prosaic,  but  vulgar.  Sometimes  his  declamations  in  the  notes  appear 
"  eloquent,  at  others  frothy  and  puerile  ;  on  some  occasions  his  sarcasms 
"  are  pointed  and  just ;  on  others  wretchedly  trifling,  or  deliberately 
"  ill-natured.  In  his  most  laboured  effort  at  sublimity  he  is  in  part  suc- 
"  cessful,  but  In  some  parts  inflated  and  obscure.  To  cite  the  feeble 
"  and  prosaic  passages  in  the  Pursuits  of  Literature,  would  be  to  repeat 
"  almost  half  the  book.  The  purity  and  propriety  of  the  English  lan- 
"  guage  are  often  grossly  violated.  Some  of  these  improprieties  he  has 
"  lately  corrected.  I  call  his  muse  shapele&s,  because  nee  pes  nee  caput 
"  uni  reddatur  forms.  Indeed  the  whole  passage  in  Horace  describes  a 
"  work  similar  to  the  P.  of  L.     Many  of  his  vulgarities  are  noticed  in 


*  S?e  "  The  Progress  of  Satire,  an  Essay  in  Verse;  with  notes,  con- 
"  taining  remarks  on  '  The  Pursuits  of  Literature;"  second  editionj  with. 
this  modest  and  complimentary  motto  to  the  English  Nation : 
"  What  if  an  addle-beaded  Public  praise 
"  The  proud  conceited  Pedant's  rumbling  lays, 
"  Shall  wf  not  weigh  his  insolent  pretence 
"  hi  juster  scales — the  scales  of  Truth  and  Sense?" 


[      385      ] 

"  a  very  sensible  Essay*  called,  Impartial  Strictures  on  the  P.  of  L.     He 
"  has  been  well  denominated  a  Jesuit,  &c.  &c.     This  is  but  a  specimen. 

Considering  that  the  Progressionist  is  so  strong  an  advocate  for  de- 
corum (and  that  be  has  not  given  bis  own  name  to  the  public)  the  terms 
of  reproach  are  scattered  with  a  very  liberal  hand,  or  rather  heaped  up,  on  a 
person  whom  he  is  pleased  to  call  "  bis  adversary."  Now  here  I  would 
observe,  that  it  does  not  appear  that  the  author  of  "  The  Progress  of 
*'  Satire"  ever  published  any  other  work  whatsoever  but  that  celebrated 
Essay  ;  and  I  do  not  find  the  remotest  allusion  to  the  "  Progress  of  Sa- 
"  tire,"  in  any  part  of  the  P.  of  L.  It  must  therefore  of  necessity  require 
much  ingenuity,  or  perversion  of  mind,  to  prove  that  one  man  can  be  an 
adversary  to  another,  -who  is  equally  ignorant  of  his  person  and  his  pam- 
phlet. I  am  confident  that  the  author  of  the  P.  of  L.  never  knew  him, 
or  thought  of  him.  If  that  author  had  ever  condescended  to  stile  any 
man  bis  adversary^  he  would  have  looked  in  another  quarter. 

A  writer  like  the  Progressionist,  has  all  the  follies  of  poetical  child- 
hood with  the  vices  of  satirical  puberty.  I  have  already  honoured  him 
too  much  by  extracting  some  prose  parts  of  his  pamphlet  ;  but  I  abso- 
lutely refuse  to  paralyze  my  page  with  a  line  of  his  versification.  The 
touch  of  the  Torpedo  could  not  be  so  fatal  to  it.  I  subject  myself  indeed 
to  ridicule,  when  I  think  for  a  moment  of  such  men  as  Warburton  and 
Lowth,  when  I  am  toiling  over  "  The  Progress  of  Satire."  Yet  the 
Babylonish,  or  rather  French  captivity  into  Avhich  true  learning  and 
good  poetry  are  fallen,  suggest  the  words  of  Lowth.  "  I  do  call  (says 
"  that  illustrious  scholar)  the  age  itself  semi-barbarous,  if  you  please  ; 
"  but  I  do  not  call  Ezra  a  semi-barbarous  Poet^  for  I  maintain  that 
"  Ezra  is  no  Poet  at  all.Y'  When  we  turn  from  Warburton,  Lowth 
and  Pope,  to  the  Progressionist,  I  feel  we  reverse  the  journeying  of  the 
Hebrews.     From  the  Land  of  Promise,  we  are  passing  to  the  desert. 

*  Great  writers  always  quote  one  another  ;  and  in  return,  his  impar- 
tial Brother  sends  us  back  again  to  that  very  sensible  Essay.,  the  Progress 
of  Satire.     See  Impartial  Strictures,  p.  25.      Par  nobile  I 

t  Lowth's  Letter  to  Warburton,  p.  77. 

:;  G 


[      386      ] 

Surely  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  acted  wisely  in  declining  the  puny 
contest.  Had  he  ever  begged  an  interview,  or  made  overtures  for  a 
timid  negociation,  1  hope  even  the  Progressionist  would  have  had  the 
spirit  to  have  treated  him  witli  contempt.  But  that  author  knew  too 
well  the  ground  on  which  he  stood.  He  felt,  that  the  arms,  as  well  as 
the  supplies,  were  in  his  own  hand  and  disposal.  I  know  not  whether  he 
would  have  adopted  the  expressions  of  Warburton  ;  but  I  am  sure  some 
of  his  friends  would  be  ready  to  do  so  for  him.  Warburton  said  :  "  Of 
"  all  the  Boeotian  phalanx  who  have  written  scurrilously  against  me, 
"  there  is  not  one,  whom  a  writer  of  reputation  would  not  wish  to  have 
"  his  enemy.  To  my  Authorship  they  are  heartily  welcome.  Rome 
"  permitted  her  slaves  to  calumniate  her  best  citizens  in  the  day  of 
"  triumph.''* 

The  Progressionist  in  the  very  out-set  of  his  march  halts  a  little.  He 
pants  even  in  the  Preface,  and  lashes  himself  (by  no  means  like  the  British 
lion)  with  his  own  tail;  for  the  Preface  and  the  Postscript  are  both  equally 
candidates  for  this  appellation.  The  middle  or  body  of  his  ivork  (I  mean 
his  nvhole  Essay  in  verse,  with  all  its  appendages)  is  quite  innoxious.  He 
has  indeed  a  great  mind  to  hurt  and  bite,  and  annoy;  but  having  more 
mind  than  ability,  the  efTort  dies,  where  it  might  be  expected,  in  the  very 
beginning. 

It  would  have  been  happy  for  himself,  had  he  rested  in  his  prime 
question.  He  would  have  saved  his  friends  and  himself  from  much  addi- 
tional contempt.  Pie  says,  with  some  Christian  self-complacency  to  the 
Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  "  Have  you,  {I  will  take  fiiE  jvhole  cause 
"  upon  this  issue)  invariably  done  unto  others,  as  you  would  wish  that 
"  others  should  do  unto  you?"  Whoever  feels  the  nature  of  human  infir- 
mity,  has  already  answered  the  question,  and  borne  testimony  to  the  folly 
of  the  man  who  could  be  weak  enough  to  propose  it.  But  the  intefifion 
of  the  question,  and  the  region  to  which  he  would  fain  consign  the  Author 
of  the  Pursuits,  are  easy  to  conjecture.  He  reminds  me  of  "  The  Night- 
"  walker,  or  Little  Thief"  in  the  Comedy  of  Beaumont  and  Fletcher; 
and  has  his  nurse,  servants,  bell-ringers,  and  sexton  all  ready  for  his  inter- 

*  Preface  to  Pope's  Works. 


C      387      3 

ment.     Nay  he  seems  willing  to  follow  him  to  the  world  unknown,  and 
even  to  anticipate  his  sentence. 

Still  there  is  always  something  unfortunate  in  the  imitations  of  inferior 
writers.  Indeed  they  seldom  discover  the  proper  object  of  imitation. 
Sir  William  Draper  was  an  ingenious  man,  and  a  good  scholar,  but  impru- 
dent in  his  conduct.  He  had  zeal  without  knowledge,  and  boldness  with- 
out discretion.  He  voluntarily  attacked  Junius,  "  whose  shoes'  latchet," 
the  Progressionist  declares,  "  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  is  not  worthy 
"  to  unloose."  The  wanton  and  impious  levity  of  the  allusion  I  leave 
him  to  reconcile  with  decorum.  The  Progressionist  is  here  an  unhappy 
rival  to  Sir  William,  in  putting  questions  from  the  Scriptures.  If  I  had 
been  the  Author  of  the  Pursuits,  I  would  have  said  with  Junius,  '•■  Such  a 
"  question.  Sir,  may  perhaps  discompose  the  gravity  of  my  muscles ;  but  1 
"  believe  it  will  little  affect  the  tranquility  of  my  conscience." 

The  only  question  is  this;  whether  an  Author,  of  whatsoever  descrip- 
tion he  may  be,  deserves  satirical  censure.  If  he  does  deserve  it,  the  point 
is  settled;  if  that  is  denied,  the  parties  are  at  issue.  The  Satirist  writes 
for  the  public ;  and  the  precepts  of  Christianity  can  never  be  violated, 
when  strict  public  justice  is  inflicted  in  any  manner.  I  should  feel  myself 
clear  on  this  charge,  if  I  had  been  the  Author,  without  the  assistance  of 
a  Casuistical  Professor  of  Divinity.  I  should  pass  over  this,  and  most 
other  of  his  objections,  from  the  debility  of  the  argument;  but  a  respect 
for  the  English  Nation,  which  has  honoured  the  work  on  the  P.  of  L., 
inclines  me  to  repel  the  malignity  of  tlie  accuser,  and  the  irrelevancy  of 
the  charge. 

I  know  what  every  Author  must  expect,  who  submits  his  labours  to. 
the  public.  If  he  will  write,  criticism  and  her  sister.  Satire,  will  seldom 
be  far  off.  He  knows  the  conditions;  nor  can  I  see  how  Christian  precepts 
are  violated  by  their  application.  No  man  ever  seriously  objected  to  the 
monthly  severity,  or  lunar  caustic,  of  our  Reviews.  If  the  character  of 
any  Author  is  implicated  with  his  book  or  his  conduct;  his  character, 
book,  and  conduct  must  often  be  examined  and  fall  together. 

The  pleasantry  of  Dr.  Johnson,  (than  whom  no  Author  was  ever 
attacked  in  his  character  and  Avritings  with  more  spleen  and  injustice) 
may  be  certainly  heard  in  this  respect.  He  tells  us,  that "  the  diversion 
"  of  baiting  an  author  has  the  sanction  of  all  ages  and  nations,  and  is  more 


[      388      ] 

"  lawful  than  the  sport  of  teazlng  other  animals  because  for  the  most  part 
"  he  comes  voluntary  to  the  stake."  *  But  notv  if  a  ci-devant  Lawyer 
translates  Horace ;  or  a  Dilettante  writes  heavy  verses  on  the  Progress  of 
Society  (the  very  name  of  Progress  we  see  is  Infectious) ;  or  a  Doctor  in 
divuiity  re-publishes  obscene  poems ;  or  commentators  make  indecent  notes 
•  on  Shakspeare ;  or  men  in  their  old  age  turn  school-boys,  and  publish  theii* 
Greek  exercises;  and  they  happen  to  be  censured;  what  are  we  to  hear? 
An  appeal  to  the  Decalogue,  and  the  Sermon  on  the  mount. 

I  allow  much  for  the  impotence  of  irritation,  when  a  patient,  like 
the  Progressionist,  becomes  feverous  and  shakes.  I  expect  not  to  find 
legitimate  argument;  nor  am  I  surprised  when  I  look  in  vain  for  truth 
and  logic.  If  I  have  carefully  perused  the  Pursuits  of  Literature,  I 
perceive  much  playfulness  and  humour,  which  can  hardly  be  resolved  into 
ill-nature  or  insolence.  I  do  not  wonder  that  the  Progressionist  has 
confounded  them.  It  is  perfectly  consistent  with  the  nature  of  his  un- 
derstanding, and  perhaps  of  his  education.  Dr.  Cornelius  seems  to  have 
been  concerned  for  his  second  son.  "  When  ideas  (of  the  same  species) 
"  copulate,  they  engender  conclusions,  said  philosopher  Crambe ;  but  when 
"  those  of  different  species  copulate,  they  bring  forth  absurdities,"  But 
the  Progressionist  seems  to  have  forgotten,  throughout  his  whole  pam- 
phlet, the  ninth  proposition  of  that  celebrated  philosopher  on  syllogisms, 
namely,  that  "  an  hypothetical  proposition  is  only  a  contract  or  promise  of 
marriage,  and  that  from  such  THEREFORE  there  can  spring  no  reai 
issue,  t 

It  appears  that  the  instance  oi playfulness  and  humour  In  the  P.  of  L. 
are  exactly  eight  \,  in  the  estimation  of  the  Progressionist.  He  seems 
at  least  to  remember  his  Accidence,  and  can  tell  how  many  parts  of  speech 
there  are.  He  says  with  great  self-complacency, "  Is  this  playfulness  Sec? 
— Is  ihis,  See.? — Is  this,  Sec?  It  might  be  replied,  Certainly  not.  So 
curiously  happy  he  is  in  these  selections,  that  scarce  one  of  the  eight  appear 
to  have  been  intended  as  playful  or  humorous.     All  of  them  seem  to  me 

*  Rambler,  No.  170. 

t   Memoirs  of  Scriblerus,  chap.  7. 

\   Progress  of  Satire,  ?.d  edit.  Preface. 


[      389      ] 

severe,  serious,  or  monitory.  But  the  Author  has  himself  given  so  full 
and  complete  an  answer  to  this  part,  in  his  "  Introductory  Letter,"  that 
more  is  unnecessar)''. 

It  is  rather  surprising,  that  so  much  should  be  required  of  the  Author 
of  the  P.  of  L.  It  appears  as  if  a  kind  of  perfection  had  been  expected 
in  his  work.  Are  there  no  blemishes  in  Horace  and  Juvenal?  no  personal 
reflections,  which  were  well  understood  in  their  time?  Was  there  ever  any 
Satire,  addressed  to  a  Nation  at  large,  which  was  not  in  some  measure  per- 
sonal, at  the  time  in  which  it  was  written?  Are  there  no  observations 
rather  flippant,  and  sometimes  imprudent,  in  the  finished  satires  of  Boileau 
and  Pope?  1  believe  no  satirical  Poet  was  ever  wholly  exempt  from 
such  blemishes.  I  would  not  defend  the  faults  or  defects  of  one  writer, 
by  those  of  another.  But  I  would  ask  with  great  temper,  whether  in  any 
Satirical  Poem  of  the  same  extent,  and  variety  of  subjects,  jo /ew  instan- 
ces of  imprudence,  or  impropriety,  or  inattention  can  be  produced,  as  in 
the  Pursuits  of  Literature.  I  very  candily  declare,  I  think  it  impossible. 
If  it  were  of  sufficient  importance,  I  am  of  opinion,  that  each  instance 
might  admit  of  a  vindication,  if  it  uere  adviseable  to  produce  the  ground, 
the  authority,  and  the  reasons  for  which,  as  I  conceive,  they  were  intro- 
duced. In  a  revolutionary  age,  a  Satirist  has  to  contend  with  dangerous 
tenets  publicly  professed,  or  privately  favoured;  with  novelty,  prejudice, 
folly,  impudence  personified,  false  learning,  insolence,  the  rage  of  system, 
erudition  misapphed,  frivolous  conduct,  unthinking  levity,  open  wncked 
ness,  and  secret  designs.  Men,  therefore,  as  well  as  their  measures,  and 
their  doctrines,  must  be  marked,  and  held  forth  to  the  public  observation. 
They  who  have  made  such  objections,  are  wholly  ignorant  of  the  nature 
of  the  time.  But  if  such  objections  are  indeed  just,  "  Down,  down,  proud 
"  Satire  1  though  a  realm  be  spoiled." 

I  always  thought  that  some  little  reprehension  was  due  to  the  Author 
of  the  P.  of  L.  in  a  few  instances.  I  will  meet  The  Progressionist,  but 
not  half  way.  I  cannot  encounter  such  a  Major  Sturgeon  in  poetr\',  in 
all  his  marchings  and  counter-marchings,  and  particularly  in  this  last 
expedition. 

I  think  it  was  improper  in  the  Author  of  the  Pursuits  to  speak  slight- 
ingly ot  Mr.  Abbot,  a  member  of  parliament;,  a  gentleman  of  learning 
and  great  respectability  of  character,  for  his  intended  Digest  of  the  Laws. 


[      390     ] 

But  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  seems  to  have  withdrawn  his  censure 
very  readily,  and  upon  an  early  conviction  of  its  impropriety.  It  appear- 
ed but  in  one  edition  of  the  Fourth  Dialogue  published  separately.  Yet 
I  still  maintain,  that  a  public  caution  to  the  ablest  man  in  the  kingdom, 
is  not  unuseful  at  such  a  time  as  this  ;  nor  can  the  Progressionist  be 
acquainted  with  the  motive  which  might  have  given  rise  to  it.  But 
with  such  a  writer  repentance  and  amendment  are  but  evidences  of  in- 
creased guilt.     Gaudet  monstris,  ment-isque  tiimultu. 

As  to  the  subject  of  the  Roman  Catholic  religion,  and  the  various 
discussions  on  the  French  emigrants,  and  particularly  the  priests,  the 
Author  of  the  Pursuits  stands  in  need  of  no  additional  vindication.  In 
all  his  notes,  and  in  his  introductory  letter,  he  has  given  a  full,  per- 
fect, and  complete  explanation  of  his  public  sentiments.  I  think  it  sa- 
tisfactory. In  my  solemn  opinion,  his  motives  were  honest ;  his  caution 
justifiable  ;  his  reasons  forcible  and  convincing  ;  and  the  measures  he 
recommended,  appear  to  have  been  dictated  by  sound  policy  and  charity, 
and  the  true  humanity  of  a  Protestant  statesman.  The  late  proceedings 
in  Ireland  are  the  best  (and  as  I  am  persuaded,  an  unanswerable)  com- 
mentaiy  on  his  text.  I  refer  you  to  his  own  words  and  arguments  ;  for 
I  will  not  discuss  the  matter  again  needlessly.  The  moral  babble  of  the 
Progressionist  on  this  occasion  might  be  natural  enough  in  the  mouth  of 
Mr.  Jerningham. 

In  my  full  and  unequivocal  belief,  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  never 
intended  any  ridicule  whatsoever  on  "  The  Literary  Fund,"  Nothing 
but  malice  or  stupidity  could  misrepresent  him  in  this  instance,  and  the 
playful  allusion  to  the  Sportula.  He  was  speaking  of  Mr.  Boscawen's 
Horace,  which  he  did  not  admire  ;  and  that  gentleman  being  a  Commis- 
sioner in  the  Victualling  Office,  appears  to  have  suggested  the  allusion, 
which  gave  offence,  when  tortured  into  a  hidden  meaning.  And  very 
probably  when  the  Author  found  it  so  unaccountably  misunderstood,  he 
omitted  it.  I  am  convinced  that  a  man  of  his  disposition  never  could 
have  cast  a  reilection  eitlier  on  that,  or  on  any  other  useful  institu- 
tion v^hatsoever.  If  Mr.  Boscawen  published  his  translation  of  Horace, 
I  suppose  there  is  no  statute  of  pains  and  penalties  for  those  who  arc  so 
unhappy  as  to  disapprove  of  it.  I  join  with  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L, 
5n  his  opinion  of  the  translation.     I  speak  impartially  ;   for  I  have  not 


C      391      3 

the  slightest  acquaintance  with  Mr.  Boscawen  :    I  know  not  even  hiS 
person. 

If  such  is  the  scheme  of  interpretation  and  allegory,  which  is  to  be  in. 
troduced  into  this  country  by  the  Progressionist,  1  shall  soon  expect  to 
see  him  prove  that  the  Art  of  Cookery,  by  that  excellent  and  useful  citi- 
zen, Mr.  John  Farley,  is  one  concealed  Satire,  from  beginning  to  end, 
upon  the  literature  and  government  of  this  country,  under  the  form  of 
receipts  and  made  dishes.  There  is  one  of  them  which,  I  am  sure,  the 
Progressionist  will  assert  and  prove  to  be  directed  against  him  and  his 
pamphlet.  The  reader  of  taste  will  perhaps  be  of  the  same  opinion.  It 
is  called,  "  The  Calf's  Head  Surprized,"  The  metaphorical  culinary 
citizen  informs  us,  in  page  n6  of  his  *  valuable  work,  that  "  The 
"Calf's  Head  Surprized"  is  an  elegant  fo/?-dish,  not  very  expensive.t 
He  recommends  us  to  prepare  it,  »'  by  raising  off  the  skin  with  a  sharp- 
^^  pointed  knife,  and  as  much  meat  from  the  bone  as  you  can  possibly  get ; 
"  so  that  it  may  appear  like  a  ivbole  head  when  stu^ff'ed  ;  but  be  careful  not 
"  to  cut  holes  in  the  skin."  He  then  recommends  a  mixture  of  pepper,  the 
best  C Attic)  salt,  and  other  puagent  ingredients  ;  and  he  says,  "  pour  a 
"  little  of  it  into  the  ears,  and  the  rest  into  the  head."  This  severe 
style,  and  the  clear  allusion  to  the  Progress  of  Satire,  is  too  evident  to 
admit  of  a  doubt.  Hercules  is  not  better  known  by  his  foot,  than  the 
Progressionist's  pamphlet  from  Mr.  Farley's  receipt.  If  such  is  the 
tendency  of  the  book,  Mr.  Pitt  and  Mr.  Dundas  will  do  well  to  look  with 
caution,  in  their  visits  to  the  London  Tavern,  on  the  designs  of  Citizen 
John  Farley  and  his  dangerous  compositions.  From  these  interpreta- 
tion- I  shrewdly  suspect  that  the  state  apprehends  as  much  danger  from 
Mr.  Farley,  as  the  Literary  Fund  does  from  the  Author  of  the  Pursuits 
of  Literature. 


*  Progress  of  Satire,  price  as. 

t  Art  of  Cooker)'  made  plain  and  easy  to  every  understanding  in  the 
kingdom,  by  Jolm  Farley,  Cook  to  the  Londor  Tavern,  8th  Edit.  N.  B. 
It  is  said  to  be  among  the  tracts  recommended  by  the  Hon.  the  Com- 
missioners of  H.  M.  Victualling  Office,  for  promoting  good  living,  &c.  &c. 


[      392      ] 

As  to  the  charge  agauist  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  of  having  ad- 
mitted any  expressions  of  an  indecent  nature,  I  think  it  perfectly  ridicu- 
lous. The  passages  which  are  brought  to  support  the  opinion,  may  be 
again  submitted  to  the  reader.  The  following  is  termed  by  the  Pro- 
gressionist "  grossly  indecent."  It  should  be  first  recollected,  that  the 
passage  itself  is  declared  by  its  Author,  "  to  record  the  political  conver- 
*'  sion  of  Lord  Loughborough  to  Mr.  Pitt's  party."  This  is  done  under 
the  imagery  taken  from  the  serenata  of  Acis  and  Galatea.  The  lines 
are  these  : 

"  Nay  Thurlow  once,  'tis  said,  could  sing  or  swear, 

"  Like  Polypheme,   1  cannot,  cannot  bear  ; 

"  For,  ah!  presumptuous  Acis  wrests  the  prize, 

"  And  ravishes  the  njmph  before  his  eyes; 

"  Such  feats  his  honour  little  Pepper  saw, 

"  In  all  the  pride  of  music  and  of  law."* 

When  the  meaning  of  the  passage  is  declared,  and  the  allusion  to  a 
well-known  story  so  fully  understood,  it  exceeds  all  power  of  face  to  be 
grave  at  such  a  charge. 

Dr.  Johnson,  in  his  Dictionary  says,  to  ravish  is  to  take  awaj  by  vio- 
lence, and  he  quotes  Shakspeare  for  the  illustration: 

"  Their  vow  is  made 
"  To  ransac  Troy,  within  whose  strong  immures 
"  The  ravisb'd  Helen  sleeps." 

1  make  no  doubt,  that  '2'he  Opposition,  and  that  good  man,  Mr.  Pox, 
thought  this  ravishing  of  so  able  an  assistant,  or  rather  leader  of  the  party, 
a.  direct  and  most  indecent  felony  on  the  part  of  the  minister.  In  my 
opinion,  the  Poet  supposes  a  little  more  than  the  truth,  and  succeeds  in 
fiction.  I  conceive  the  Nymph  was  willing  to  be  won,  yet  not  wholly 
unsought.  I  know  nothing  of  that  reluctant  amorous  delay,  with  which 
Lord  Loughborough  resigned  his  legal  charms  to  Mr.  Pitt.  The  minister 
well  knew  by  whom  the  armour  of  that  political  virgin  had  been  often 
tried.     Blood  and  war  were  to  be  her  dowry.     Her  bridal  gown  was  soon 


P.  of  L.  Dial.  2.  v.  35.  read  also  the  note. 


[      393      ] 


changed  into  the  sagum  of  a  siege-directing  Chancellor.  If  this  be  i?idc- 
centy  I  shall  leave  it  to  the  cabinet  at  St.  Jan-.es's  to  justify  the  assault. 
If  I  had  been  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  1  should  be  in  no  pain  for  the 
Panel. 

The  Progressionist  affirms,  that  "  Sir  James  Bland  Burgess,  Baronet, 
"  is  ridiculed  for  not  having  made  his  Poem  lascivious  and  indecent." 
The  passage  itself  is  the  best  answer.  The  Poet  speaking  in  the  Second 
Dialogue,  that  he  could  do,  such  and  such  things;  among  tliem  lie  says, 

"  Or  to  Cytlixron  from  the  Treasury,  move, 

"  And  like  Sir  James  Bland  Burgess,  murmur  love."* 

I  refer  you  to  the  whole  of  the  note  upon  these  lines,  of  which  the  follow- 
ing is  a  part.  "  Sir  James  says  of  Cupid,  'That  bey  and  that  boy's  deeds 
*  shall  not  pollute  my  measure."  The  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  says; 
"  Now  when  I  consider  what  Virgil  and.  Tasso  have  said  and  sung  of 'that 
"  boy  and  that  boy's  deeds,'  it  is  a  little  prudish  in  Sir  James  Bland  Burgess, 
"  Baronet,  and  Poet,  on  such  a  subject  to  have  such  fears.  A  poet  may 
*'  be  a  little  playful."  I  believe  there  is  not  a  Court  in  the  v?hole  world, 
not  even  a  Juiy  of  the  Muses  and  the  Graces  in  the  island  of  Love,  who 
■would  not  acquit  the  Author  of  any  charge,  but  that  of  pleasantry.  I 
think  the  Progressionist  has  not  quite  forgot  his  former  chardcter  in  La 
Mancha,  and  has  yet  some  secret  Dulcinea  of  Toboso,  whose  charms  he 
has  sworn  to  defend  and  maintain  against  the  whole  universe.  I  shall 
not  be  surprised  to  hear  of  some  new  freaks  in  the  Brown  Mountains. 

The  Progressionist  next  informs  us  of  some  "  infamous  allusions  re- 
"  specting  3fr.  George  Steevens-,"  For  my  own  part,  I  am  totally 
ignorant  cf  any  "  infamous  al'usions,"  whatsoever  to  that  most  accom- 
plished Editor  of  Shakspeare.  I  have  examined  the  P.  of  L.  again  and 
again,  and  can  only  find,  that  Mr.  Stcevens  is  called  the  Whipper-In  of 
the  Shakspeare  Pack  of  Commentators.  He  is  complimented  for  his 
learning  and  abilities;  and  reprehended  for  the  indecency  of  some  of  his 
illustrations  of  Shakspeare.  His  very  early  visits  to  London  from  Hamp- 
stead,  to  correct  his  edition  of  the  poet  in  1793,  gave  the  Author  of  the 
Pursuits  some  sportive   apprehensions  for  his  classic  purity.     And  whyl 

*  P.  of  L.  Dial.  2.  V.  63,  and  the  notes. 


[      394      ] 


Because  Aurora  might  have  mistaken  3Ir.  Steevens  at  so  early  an  liour 
far  her  own  Cepbalus,  Risum  teneatis? 

The  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  has  not  attempted  to  penetrate  Mr.  Stee- 
vens's  I'etireir.cnt  on  th.e  Heath  of  Hampstead,  or  to  pry  into  the  mysteries 
of  his  clc?et.  The  retreats  of  virtue  and  erudition  were  ever  sacred.  The 
consolations  of  sohtary  reflection  are  reserved  for  men  of  uncorrupted 
integrity:  thev  need  not  to  fly  from  their  enemies,  or  from  themselves. 
They  have  a  claim  to  private  affection,  seconded  and  confirmed  by  the 
public  esteem.  In  all  the  busy  agitations  of  literature  and  philosophy, 
they  remember  those  honourable  principles  which  have  uniformly  directed 
their  conduct;  they  remember  them,  and  are  at  peace.  As  I  cannot  dis- 
cover wliat  allusions  the  Progressionist  insinuates,  I  am  under  the  neces- 
sity of  dismissing  the  charge.  If  he  should  think  proper  to  specify  them, 
time  might  be  found  for  the  discussion.  Till  then,  I  am  silent  through 
ignorance.  The  Editor  of  Shakspeare  has  no  need  of  such  a  pen  as  the 
Progressionist's  in  his  defence.  If  Mr.  Steevens  himself  should  be  in- 
clined to  present  the  world  with  a  History  of  his  oivn  life  and  ivritiiigs,  he 
could  not  leave  a  more  instructive  lesson  to  posterity. 

The  indignation  of  the  Progressionist  next  rises  to  a  more  than  ordi- 
nary height,  when  he  thinks  of  that  ornament  of  the  Court  of  King's 
Bench,  Mr.  Barrister  Erskine.  For  my  own  part,  I  think  no  one  appears 
to  have  wished  health  and  spirits  to  Mr.  Erskine  more  than  the  Author 
o    the  P.  of  L. 

"  And  while  the  busy  Hcill 
"  Attracts  him  stiil  to  toil  for  power  or  gold, 
"  Sweetly  may  He  his  vacant  hours  possess 
"  In  Ilampstead,  courted  by  the  western  wind."* 

Bi't  it  se>:ms  the  Progressionist  is  very  angry  at  the  mention  of  Mr. 
Er'ikine  -"  Materia  Medica.  If  indeed  the  poppy  were  described  on  the 
brow  of  a  poet,  he  woukl  understand  the  propriety  of  it :  but  if  the  opinm 
is  said  to  sink  into  the  skull  of  a  Lmvjer,  we  are  told,  that  all  shame  is 
lest.  Tl:c  Progressionist,  in  the  fury  of  his  zeal  to  prove  that  he  himself 
is  sleepless; 'appears  in  an  attitude  copied  from  Bedlam,   or  Parnassus: 

*  Armstron '.'s  Art  of  Health,  B.   i. 


[      395      ] 

Fire  in  his  eye,  and  papers  in  his  hand, 

He  raves,  recites,  and  maddens  round  the  land. 
If  Mr.  Erskine  has  read  his  defence  by  this  real  enemy  to  his  reputation, 
I  well  know  what  he  would  think  and  say,  when  such  stupidity  is  offered 
for  wit,  and  any  narcotics  (but  his  own)  for  restoratives. 

What  drop  or  nostrum  can  this  plague  remove? 

Or  which  must  end  me,  a  fool's  wrath  or  love? 

But,  after  all,  what  are  these  sarcastic  and  contemptuous  terms  on 
Mr.  Erskme?  What  is  this  note  so  '"'  unworthy  of  a  gentleman  or  a  scho- 
"  lar?"  If  I  had  been  the  author,  I  should  not  offer  any  other  apology, 
tl.'in  the  words  upon  the  record,,  produced  and  read  in  court.  The  ClerJc 
may  now  read  them,  if  he  pleases. 

"  In  state  affairs  all  Barristers  are  dull ; 

"  And  Erskine  nods,  the  opium  in  his  skull."* 

If  I  had  written  them,  I  should  be  most  in  pain  for  the  first  line.  Con- 
sider, how  discouraging,  how  unkind  to  the  Professional  Gentleman  in 
the  House  of  Commons.  It  is  delivered  as  a  self-evident  proposition. 
There  are  indeed  many  exceptions  to  it;  and  the  question  is  7:orj  rather 
nice,  and  perhaps  dangerous.  Erect  your  ears!  From  Lincolns  Inn  to 
Bloomsbury,  "The  hum  of  either  armj  stilly  sounds  1"  The  Author  of 
the  P.  of  L.  must  surely  have  forgotten  himself. 

We  all  remember,  when  Thurlow  and  Wedderburne  were  called 
into  Parliament,  how  soon  they  proved  what  manner  of  men  they  were. 
They  separated  the  lawyer  from  the  statesman.     It  was  a  proud  day  for 
the  Bar  at  that  period.     Never  before  were  such  irresistible,  overbearing 
powers  and  talents  displayed  by  the  official  defenders  of  a  Minister. 
Hos  mirabantur  yVthenx 
Torrentes,  pleni  et  moderantes  fraina  theatri. 
Lord  North  indeed,   when  he  appointed  Thurlow  and   Wedderburne  his 
Attorney   and  Solicitor  General,  meant  no  more  than  to  give  spirit,  elo- 
quence, and  argument  to  his  measures;  but  in  effect  he  hung  a  millstone 
on  the  necks  of  all  their  successors.     This  by  the  way. 

I  proceed  to  the  second  verse  and  the  comment  upon  it. 
"  And  Erskine  nods,  the  opium  in  his  skull." 

*  P.  of  L.  Dial.  4-  V.  3:;7. 


[      396      ] 

The  note  begins  thus.  "  Mn.  Barrister  Erskine  is  famous  for  taking 
"  opium  in  great  quantities ;  (I  have  often  heard  him  speak  in  praise  of 
"  it)  and  if  he  proceeds  in  this  manner,  it  is  apprehended  that  his  political 
"  faculties  will  die  of  too  large  a  dose,  of  which  there  are  some  symp- 
"  tonis  already."  Here  is  the  assertion.  A  plain  matter  of  fact,  acknow- 
ledged and  approved  by  Mr.  Erskine  himself,  and  the  Author  of  the 
Pursuits  only  expresses  a  kind  appreliension,  and  solicitude  for  the  conse- 
quences. The  words  "  Mr.  Barrister  Erskine"  seem  to  be  repeated, 
merely  that  Mr.  Erskine  might  always  remember  the  public  opinion,  and 
never  consider  himself  as  a  statesman,  but  by  way  of  eminence,  The 
Barrister. 

I  can  sec  neither  contempt  nor  sarcasm  in  the  observation.  I  thmk 
it  indeed  rather  adulatory  at  the  expense  of  his  brethren.  They  are  all 
declared  to  be  dull  in  state  affairs;  but  some  powerful  cause  seems  neces- 
sary  to  produce  dulness  in  Mr.  Erskine.  There  may  be  also  a  gentle 
admonition  or  some  allusion,  more  than  meets  the  ear.  We  are  told, 
that  the  highest  Rulers  in  that  Nation,  which  is  most  celebrated  for  an 
attachment  to  Opium,  are  seldom  inclined  to  bear  any  brothers  near  the 
throne.      And  this  is  an  allegory. 

But  the  Progressionist,  who  generally  draws  his  logic  from  Dr.  Cor- 
nelius, seems  strangely  to  have  forgotten  a  grand  rale  of  Philosopher 
Crambe,  "  That  there  can  be  no  more  in  the  conclusion  than  there  was  in 
"  the  premises."  But  in  argument  he  redoubles  his  veneration  for  him, 
by  strictly  adhering  to  another  dictum  of  his  great  Instructor,  namely 
"  that  the  conclusion  always  follows  the  weaker  part."*  The  understand- 
ing of  the  Progressionist  seems  indeed  to  be  in  such  a  state,  that  I  do  not 
tliink  it  expedient  to  awaken  or  even  ta  disturb  it.  Sleep  is  the  best 
restorative;  but  there  is  a  sleep,  which  is  unto  death. 

It  is  allowed  that  Mr.  Erskine  is  a  man  of  talents  and  great  eloquence; 
and  has  made  more  extensive  conquests  in  his  profession  than  any  of  his 
predecessors.  Be  it  so.  Expende  Aniiibalcml  Every  honour  is  paid  to 
his  genius,  and  professional  rank  and  distinction;  but  his  political  emi- 
nence  and  ability  are  absolutely  denied.     In  the   hall  of  jEolus  he  is 


*  Memoirs  of  Martinus  Scribkrus,  chap.  7. 


C      597      ] 

declared  supreme;  but  the  command  of  the  trident,  vvhlch  he  had  vainly 
and  so  unaccountably  assumed,  is  wrested  from  him. 

When  THE  Storms  are  once  set  at  liberty,  Mr.  Erskine  knows,  that 
wisdom  and  power  are  often  inefficient  for  their  control.  They  are  repre- 
sented, by  the  Poet,  as  in  one  perpetual  struggle  against  authority^  reluc- 
tant and  terrible.  It  is  a  cavern  vast  and  spacious,  a  prison  house,  where 
thty  are  chained  down  in  confinement.  But  when  the  spear  is  thrust  into 
the  side  of  the  mountain  to  unloose  them,  and  they  are  unloosed;  the  day 
and  the  sky  disappear ;  darkness  is  interrupted  by  the  lightning  alone,  and 
general  destruction  and  desolation  seem  to  be  Inevitable.  In  France,  and 
in  every  country  which  France  has  invaded,  deceived,  revolutionized,  and 
plundered,  this  picture  of  political  storms  has  been  realized. 

But  Mr.  Erskine,  though  be  knew  all  this,  did  not  feel  his  heart  hum- 
bled. His  voice,  his  talents,  and  his  doctrines  have  been  all  exerted  in 
strange  union  against  the  best  political  interests  of  Great  Britain.  I 
agree  with  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  that  his  pamphlet  on  the  French 
war  is  flimsy  and  puerile.  I  am  still  more  inclined  to  think  it  reprehen- 
sible and  dangerous;  it  is  full  of  misrepresentations.  There  is  not  one 
mark  of  a  Statesman's  mind  impressed  on  any  page.  Mr.  Burke  first  read 
the  writing  on  the  great  wall  of  France,  and  made  known  to  Europe  the 
interpretation  thereof. 

Mr.  Erskine  forgets,  that  the  French  themselves  require  something 
more  than  the  talents  of  a  Barrister^  however  brilliant,  to  direct  their 
councils.  An  honourable  and  useful  profession  in  a  free  country,  is  Mr. 
Erskine's  undoubted  right.  Let  him  remain  there  with  credit  to  himself, 
and  advantage  to  others.  I  hope  never  again  to  hear  that  eloquence,  so 
successful  in  defending  the  religion  of  his  country  in  her  courts  of  law, 
employed  against  her  safety  and  her  government.  His  vanity  may  de- 
ceive him  ;  and  it  is  indeed  deceived,  if  he  thinks  that  Barras  or  Talley- 
rand, by  anv  future  order  of  a  Director}-,  would  "  clothe  him  /iz  scarlet, 
"  and  put  a  chain  of  gold  about  his  neck,  and  make  a  proclamation  con- 
"  cerning  hirn,  that  he  should  be  the  third  ruler  in"  the  new  Republic. 
No.  They  would  soon  forget  the  tinsel  of  his  eloquence  in  the  sterling 
weight  of  his  property.  There  is  no  security  against  the  Goth  or  the 
Gaul.  The  mystery  of  their  morality  and  of  their  politics  is  penetrated 
and  revealed  In  open  day  to  every  inhabitant  of  the  civilized  world. 


[      398      ] 

Perlere  latebrae 
Tot  scelerum;  POFULO  t'KNiA  EST  KnEPTA  nocen7'I;  Agnovere  suosI* 

There  is  a  fatality  which  attends  the  Progressionist,  whether  he 
marches  through  Westminster  Hall,  or  loiters  in  the  Treasury  Cham- 
bers ;  whether  he  appears  as  a  Nuncio  from  the  ancient  Vatican,  or 
in  the  weeds  of  Dominick  from  the  Castle  at  Winchester.  His  judgment 
and  understanding  keep  pace  with  his  natural  politeness.  He  provokes 
a  discusison  which  might  hvive  ceased  ;  and  revives  a  controversy  which, 
but  for  his  imprudence,  might  have  rested.  Yet,  as  he  says,  that  he  in- 
tends "  to  shew  the  artijice  and  maligiiity  of  the  Author  of  the  Pursuits 
"  of  Literature  in  their  true  light  ;"  the  friends  of  that  work  will  be 
pleased  when  the  charge  is  repelled.  The  respect  due  to  the  English 
Nation  who  have  honoured  it,  and  whom  the  Progressionist,  with  his 
usual  courteousness,  styles  "  tbe  addle-headed  publicly  may  require  some 
justification.  The  hand  of  friendship  and  affection  for  the  truth  and  im- 
portance of  the  work  will,  I  trust,  be  able  to  effect  it. 

The  conduct  of  the  Progressionist  frequently  resembles  that  of  Sir 
William  Draper,  though  without  one  trait  of  the  learning  and  ability  of 
that  undaunted  Knight.  The  defence  of  Lord  Granby  by  Sir  William, 
and  the  zeal  of  Major  Scott  for  Mr.  Hastings  are  almost  proverbial  for 
their  consequences.  I  am  also  of  opinion,  that  if  the  Reverend  Dr. 
Warton  had  been  abandoned  by  the  Progressionist,  it  would  have  been 
esteemed  as  no  breach  of  friendship  by  the  learned  Editor  of  Pope's 
Works. 

I  have  just  re -perused  the  whole  of  the  objections  made  by  the  Author 
of  the  P.  of  L.  to  Dr.  Warton's  edition  of  Pope,  and  the  comments  on 
those  objections  by  the  Progressionist,  and  his  Impartial  Brother.  Sancho 
ana  Quixotte  were  not  more  faithful  to  each  other.  The  Castilian  gravity 
is  happily  tempered  with  a  sententious  proverbial  buffoonery.  They  seem 
equally  zealous  for  the  helmet  of  Mambrino,  and  the  doctorial  robe  of 
Jnsrph  Warton.  They  find  a  few  spots  upon  the  divine  ermine  and 
academical  scarlet,  and  by  an  aukward  attempt  to  remove  them,  the  marks 

*  Lucan.  lib.  4.  v.  192. 

t  Motto  to  the  Title  Page  of  the  Progress  of  Satire. 


[      399      ] 

become  indelible,  and  sink  into  the  very  grain.  They  exert  all  the  sinews 
of  the  body,  but  fury  and  violence,  as  usual,  relax  those  of  the  mind.  The 
terms,  "  insolence,  brutality,  cowardice"  and  some  others,  are  so  familiar 
in  their  mouths,  t!iat  the  colour  of  their  forehead  is  not  more  conspicuous 
than  the  ground  of  their  hearts. 

Let  me  ask  them :  have  they  ever  weighed  seriously  the  period  in  which 
we  live  ?  Have  they  felt  the  necessity  of  guarding  with  greater  and  still 
increasing  vigilance,  every  avenue  to  moral  corruption  ?  We  are  reminded 
now  more  than  ever  of  the  conceit  of  the  fabulist,  not  inelegantly  applied 
by  the  orator  of  Byzantium.*  "  Sorrow  is  made  more  permanent.  The 
"  clay,  of  which  man  was  formed,  was  not  tempered  with  water,  but  with 
"  tears."  The  miseries  of  all  civilized  states  are  multiplying  in  every  form, 
ami  springing  up  from  sources  never  yet  conceived.  New  fountains  are 
opening  under  oui-  feet,  and  tl.ey  cast  forth  waters  of  bitterness.  Chan- 
nels must  be  prepared  to  carry  them  off  the  land  in  every  direction.  Time 
and  the  hour  have  not  yet  run  through  the  roughest  day,  which  Great 
Britam  and  Ireland  ever  experienced.  Among  tlie  causes  of  many  present 
calamities,  I  fear  we  must  number  the  intemperance  of  Literature  in  one 
kingdom,  and  the  neglect  of  culture  in  the  other.  I  think  it  was  very 
wisely  observed  by  Mr.  Pitt,  in  the  House  of  Commons,  that  ignorance 
and  want  of  instruction  dispose  the  mind  to  revolution  and  rebellion.  It 
is  equ  illy  true,  that  the  dreams  of  a  heated  brain,  the  meteors  of  modern 
phiiosophy,  and  the  beatific  visions  of  experimental  statesmen  and  accre- 
dited scholars,  have  produced  the  same  fatal  tendency.  We  have  lived 
to  see  no  mimic  desolation.  Palaces  have  been  unpeopled,  battlements 
have  been  shaken,  fortresses  laid  prostrate,  and  every  polished  edifice 
defaced  and  mutilated. 

The  mine  was  laid  and  sprung  originally  by  Literature^  falsely  so 
called.  And  wlien  the  strict  and  unbending  principles  of  morality  are 
relaxed  or  discountenanced,  and  the  passions  let  loose  and  inflamed  by 
licentious  language   and  luscious  imagery,   the  ruin  is  soon   completed. 


Theniistii.  Orat.  32.  p.  ^59.  Ed.  Harduini,  16S4. 


[      400      ] 

The  horrors  are  realized,  and  fiction  is  no  more.  At  such  a  period  as  this, 
are  we  to  rise  and  watch,  or  to  be  forever  fallen? 

If  I  hsd  not  a  greater  regard  for  Dr.  Warton  than  the  Progressionist 
has,  I  should  copy  the  whole  note  on  his  edition  of  Pope's  works,  from  the 
Pursuits  of  Literature.  I  think  every  charge  in  that  note  may  be  sub- 
stantiated. In  particular,  the  charge  of  having  published  the  scandalous 
Imitation  of  the  Second  Satire*  of  Horace,  against  the  last  injunctions 
and  directions  of  Mr.  Pope  himself,  admits  of  no  defence  whatsoever. 
There  is  a  shamelessness,  as  well  as  folly,  in  some  parts  of  the  Progres- 
sionist's defence,   which  I  could  not  have  expected. 

The  Author  of  tlie  P.  of  L.  vrell  knew  the  humanity  and  characteris- 
tic of  an  Englishman  ;  and  the  respect  due  to  age  and  learned  repose.  I 
am  convinced  he  felt  a  veneration  for  the  hoary  head,  and  the  laurels  of 
a  veteran.  He  seemed  to  regret  that  all  scholars  have  I'.ot  preserved  the 
same  consistency  and  propriety  with  Mr.  Bryant  and  Mr.  Melmoth  ;  but 
he  most  certainly  expressed  himself  with  that  warmth,  severity,  and  ear- 
nestness, which  the  interest  of  his  country  seemed  to  demand.  De  lie- 
pbulica  graviter  quercns,  de  Homine  nihil  dixit. 

The  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  put  this  plain  question  :  ''  Am  1  to 
"  spare  pul^lic  criticism  (of  an  edition  of  Pope's  works)  because  of  Dr. 
"  Warton's  age  ?"  And  he  asks,  "  Is  it  in  the  title  page  of  the  edition?" 
or  he  might  have  added,  "  Is  there  any  allusion  to  it  in  any  part  of  the 
*'  work  ?"  If  tlie  edition  is  not  designed  to  supersede,  by  its  excellence, 
the  use  of  Dr.  Warburton's,  or  an\'  other,  the  argument  might  be  chang- 
ed in  some  measure.  But  there  is  no  compromise,  no  qualifying  circum- 
stance whatsoever. 

The  Author  of  the  Pursuits  expostulated  with  Dr.  Warton  on  the 
impropriety  of  seeming  to  laugh  at,  or  to  deciy,  the  use  of  moral  satire, 
and  endeavours  after  a  reformation  of  manners.  He  also  strongly  con- 
demned the   Doctor  for  the  tender.cy  of  many  of  his  notes,  to  favour 


*  The  Impartial  Brother  of  The  Progressionist  says,  that  "  Dr.  War- 
"  ton  is  reprehended  for  publishing  the  Satires  of  Pope."  Strictures,  page 
27. — I  only  notice  it  for  the  wilful  misrepresentation  of  the  plural  for 
the  siinnilar. 


C      401      ] 

those  fatal  opinions,  by  which  Europe  has  been  overthrown.  The  Mis- 
sionarits  of  the  French  Propaganda  are  in  every  country.  Troy  was  not 
in  greater  danger  from  the  arts  of  Sinon,  thun  Prussia  at  this  moment 
from  the   Abbe  Sieyes. 

The  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  said  also,  that  Dr.  Warton  praised  Voi.- 
TAIRF,  too  much.  Surt-Iy  whoever  is  fully  acquainted  with  the  desola- 
tion and  misery  which  Voltaire's  writings  and  principles  have  effected, 
■will  be  surprised  at  the  mildness  of  the  term,  by  which  they  are  charac- 
terized. "  I  have  always  been  as  ready  (says  Dr.  Warton)  to  censure 
"  his  inco7isistencies,  as  to  praise  his  talents."*  Any  person  who  has 
read  Baruel's  Memoirs  of  Jacobinism,  will  be  astonished  to  hear  o;  the 
inconsistency  of  a  man,  whose  actions,  writings,  and  principles  formed 
one  regular,  consistent,  and  undeviating  plan  for  the  destruction  of  all 
religion  and  established  government.  J  should  have  expected  another 
tone  and  other  language  from  a  Doctor  in  Divinity. 

1  remember  that  Dr.  Moore,  in  his  View  of  the  French  Revolution,! 
tells  us,  it  was  Voltaire's  misfortune  not  to  be  a  believer  in  Christianity. 
He  told  us  well.  He  says  also,  that  his  attempts  to  overturn  the  esta- 
blished religion  of  his  country,  cannot  be  excused.  Why,  well  too. 
But  he  and  Dr.  Warton  both  concur  in  a  strange  observation,  on  the  re- 
spect with  which  Voltaire  treats  Christianity  in  all  its  Drariitjs.^  Dr. 
Moore  calls  it  a  peculiarity.  But  what  does  that  prove  ?  Dramatic 
characters  surely  must  be  drawn  consistently.  A  writer  of  plays  must 
not  openly  outrage  the  government  or  religion  of  his  country  ;  more  es- 
pecially in  a  Roman  Catholic  kingdom.  Neither  the  police,  nor  the 
audience,  would  suffer  such  characters  and  such  repreientations  on  a  pub- 
lic theatre.  Besides,  an  open,  apparent  respect  and  recommendation  of 
Christianity  was  an  essential  part  of  Voltaire's  plan  to  overthrow  it. 
He  was  an  actor  himself  in  every  thing.     Ciijus  libet   rci  sim:dator  et 

*  Warton's  Pope,  vol.  i.     Life  of  the  Author,  p.  xxxviii.  note. 

t   Vol.  I.  p.  24. 

\  Dr.  Warton's  Edition  of  Pope,  vol.  i.     Life  of  Pope,  page  38. 
"  Voltaire  was  an  Unbeliever  ;^\^-h'ich  however  iiever  appears  in  bis  tra 
gedies." 

3  E 


[      402      ] 

dissimulator.  Tl>e  people  knew  nothing  of  the  amulet,  or  horrid  formu- 
lary, which  he  wore  under  his  cap,  and  signed  in  every  letter  to  his  pri- 
vate friends.  The  "  Ecrasez  I'Infame,"  had  not  then  been  made  public. 
What  could  they  know  of  his  interior  ?  On  his  knees  before  the  Romish 
mass  in  a  public  cluirch  ;  with  a  Confessor  openly  maintained  in  his 
house  ;  with  a  chapel  in  that  house,  and  regular  daily  service  in  that 
chapel  ;  witii  every  exterior  reverence  and  obedience  to  the  national  re- 
ligion and  catholic  superstition  ;  the  kiss  of  Judas  was  fidelity,  when 
compared  with  the  calm,  deliberate,  secret,  exterminating  hypocrisy  of 
this  arch  Theomachist. 

The  first  Traitor  lived  to  repent,  that  he  had  "  betrayed  the  innocent 
"  blood."  The  Sanhedrim  of  the  day  told  him,  "•  What  is  that  to 
"  us,  see  tbou  to  that."  He  cast  down  the  money  before  the  priests, 
and  elders  in  the  temple,  departed,  and  perished  by  his  own  hand.  The 
Sanhedrim  of  France,  when  they  met,  had  indeed  nothing  left  but  the 
ashes  of  their  Founder  to  canonize.  What  they  could  do  they  did. 
They  acknowledged  his  work,  and  his  services,  being  so  done  and  so 
allowed.  If  they  had  been  inclined  to  take  bis  pieces  of  silver  and  gold, 
it  would  have  been  very  lawful  for  them  to  have  put  them  into  the  na- 
tional treasury,  for  it  was  the  price  of  blood.  They  might  have  bsen 
still  more  consistent.  They  might  at  least  have  taken  Ferney  from  his 
heirs  for  the  use  of  the  martyrs  of  the  Revolution,  and  called  it  "  The 
"  field  of  blood,"  unto  this  day.  Upon  my  word.  Sir,  we  are  insulted 
with  mere  words  on  these  subjects  ;  when  one  Doctor  calls  them  peculi- 
arities ;  and  a  Divine  of  the  Church  of  England  terms  them  inconsisteji- 
cies.  I  understand  not  these  prudent  submissions,  these  polite  fears  of 
giving  offence  to  any  literary  cabals  in  this,  or  any  other  kingdom.  1 
would  court  no  favour,  no  patronage,  no  applause  from  those  persons,  whom 
upon  what  Dr.  Moore  terms  the  "  Elite  des  Pbilosophes,"*  the  chosen 
elect  of  the  modern  philosophy. 

If  the  name  of  Dr.  Warton,  and  his  age,  and  his  merits  are  registered 
in  every  country,  and  in  every  climate,  where  the  voice  of  English  poetry 
is  lieard,  and  the  name  of  Pope  and  his  works  venerated,  the  Progression- 

*  Dr.  Moore's  View  of  the  French  Revolution,  vol.  i.  p.  23. 


[      403      ] 

jst  might  indulge  his  vein  for  paneg)'rie.  He  comes  forth  with  such  de- 
termined fierceness  and  prowess  ;  he  claims  for  Dr.  Warton  whatever 
does  or  does  not  belong  to  him  in  all  the  territories  of  literature,  with  so 
sturdy  an  earnestness,  that  you  would  think  neither  a  field,  nor  a  blade  of 
grass,  nor  an  ear  of  corn  belonged  to  any  other  person.  He  has  all  the 
boldness  of  a  celebrated  advecate,  Avhose  speech  is  recorded  by  a  female 
historian:  ''  Good  people,  if  you  do  not  declare  and  confess,  that  all 
"  these  lands  and  fields  of  corn  belong  to  niy  Lord  l\Iarquis  of  Carrabas, 
"  you  shall  all  be  cut  as  small  as  minced  meat."*  1  imagine  we  are  all 
as  terrified,  as  the  peasant!  were,  v/ith  the  threats  of  this  Cat  in  Boots. 

Yet  perhaps  in  this  little  island  there  may  be  found  readers  of  Pope, 
who,  in  the  fine  language  of  Tlie  Progressionist,  are  ignorant,  that  "  Dr. 
"  Warton  has  been  for  nearly  half  a  century  one  of  the  brightest  orna- 
"  ments  to  the  classical  literature  of  his  country."  I  am  persuaded  that 
many  men,  m.any  women,  and  many  children,  are  certainly  ignorant  of 
this  truth  (which  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  never  denied  to  a  certain 
point)  and  yet  they  read  Pope.  If  The  Progressionist  had  plain  sense, 
he  would  have  changed  liis  interrogatories,  which  admit  of  so  easy  an 
answer.  He  would  have  found  that  the  praise  of  classical  erudition  was 
granted  liberally  to  Dr.  Warton  ;  and  the  defects  of  the  critic  rarely  at- 
tracted any  censure.  If  the  Progressionist  had  thought,  as  well  as  writ- 
ten, he  must  have  seen,  that  it  was  not  the  age  of  Pope's  Editor^  but  the 
Divine  who  forgot  his  age,  and  the  obligation  of  his  profession,  that  was 
the  object  of  his  censure.  In  a  vigorous,  cheerful,  and  respected  old 
age,  like  Dr.  Warton's,  I  discover  no  excuse  for  his  conduct  ;  and  he 
who  had  so  usefully  and  so  honourably  presided  over  the  morals  and 
learning  of  youth,  could  not  have  been  ignorant  of  the  tendency  of  so 
inflammatory  and  shau'eless  a  composition,  as  the  Imitation  of  the  Se- 
cond Satire  of  Horace. 

The  question  indeed  is  not,  whether  Dr.  Warton  is  a  man  of  learning 
and  ability  (which  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  has  not  denied) ;  but  vvtiether 
by  unpardonable  inattention,  or  by  carelessness,  or  by  design,  he  has  not 
forfeited  the  public  esteem  as  Editor  of  Pope's  ivorks.     He   has  suffered 

*  Mother  Goose's  Tales  of  the  Master  Cat,  or  Piiss  in  Boots. 


[      404      ] 

them  to  be  degraded  and  contaminated  by  the  insertlou  of  some  writings, 
which  no  readers  c;il!txi  for,  many  had  forgotten,  and  the  greater  part 
never  knew.  Some  abler  defence,  than  the  Progressionist  can  make  is 
required.  The  evidence  of  the  book  is  bc;fore  us;  the  Doctor  is  taken  in 
flagrante  delicto;  the  protest  of  Mr.  Pope  is  upon  record;  the  decency 
and  dignity  of  an  Editor  demanded  a  compliance  with  that  protest;  the 
character  of  the  English  Nation  was  violated,  when  the  licentious  were 
gratified,  the  virtuous  disgusted,  and  the  unsuspecting  perhaps  corrupted. 
Upon  every  principle  the  a(  tion  was  wrong;  and  it  constituted  a  criminal 
offence  in  a  moral  and  literary  court.  The  Author  of  the  P.  of  L. 
addressed  himself  not  so  niuch  to  Dr.  "Warton  as  to  the  public.  I  think 
he  was.  and  is,  right.  The  offence,  (if  I  may  use,  by  analogy  the  terms 
of  law,)  was  not  bailable ;  no  defence  was  set  up  by  the  person  accused,  or 
liy  any  man  acting  by  liis  directions;  and  I  mahitain,  that  the  Author  of 
the  Pursuits  acted  wisely  and  justifiably  in  following  it  up,  and  prosecuting 
the  Doctor  to  conviction.  The  Reverend  Doctor's  office  was  to  support 
morality,  and  to  discountenance  whatever  tended  to  destroy,  weaken,  or 
discredit  it.  The  maxim  of  the  law  is  wise,  true,  and  solid:  "  §htando  ali 
"  quid  prohibttiir^  probibetur  ft  omne,  per  quod  devenitur  ad  illiid."  The 
Doctor  and  The  Progressionist  may  answer  this  at  their  leisure. 

The  author  of  tlie  Pursuits  is  speaking  of  all  the  readers  of  Pope  in 
every  part  of  the  world,  where  the  English  language  is  either  spoken  or 
understood.  Whatever  poet  may  be  neglected,  his  works  are  studied. 
On  the  banks  of  the  O.iio  and  the  Ganges,  his  numbers  are  heard  with 
delight;  and  to  the  inhabitants  of  tliose  distant  shores  that  author  would 
vindicate  the  fame  and  consist.-ncy  of  the  poet.  In  my  opinion,  The 
Progressionist  has  hazarded  something  more  than  the  character  of  his  un- 
derstanding. I  would  also  suggest  to  him,  that  "  in  justice  to  his 
"  friends  liis  future  labours  should  be  confined  to  the  care  of  his  own  repu- 
"  tation."  * 

When  Virgil  had  consi  nieJ  hi?  immortal  work  to  destruction  by  his 
last  injunction,  Augustus  mterposed  in  behalf  of  the  poet,  and  of  all  poste- 
rity.    The  gratitude  of  Italy  has  been,   and  will  be,   re-echoed  by  every 


Junius,  letter  5. 


[    "^os    ] 

civilized  nation,  till  time  shall  be  no  more.  But  the  request  of  dying 
men,  an:'  in  particular  of  the  virtuous  and  the  eminent-  should  meet  with 
sacrcii  atcf-nt.on.  By  that  declaration,  Mr.  Pcpc  left  his  works  to  the 
world  (I  use  his  own  words)  "  as  Air.  Warburton  *  shall  publish  them, 
"  WITHOUT  FUTURE  ALTERATIONS."  He  Certainly  provided  for  his 
own  reputation,  and  the  consistency  of  it,  by  this  direction;  and  he  depar- 
ted in  tranquility.  I  think  Mr.  Pope  has  found  an  avenger  of  the  wrongs 
his  memory  has  suffered;  and  it  remains  for  the  Progressionist  and  Dr. 
Warton  to  reply : 

"  Id  cinerem,  aut  manes  credis  curare  sepultos?" 
For   my  own  part,   I  am  not  so  schooled  in  ancient  or  in  modern  classics. 
In  the  very  winding  sheet  of  the  poet  there  is  verge  enough  to  trace  the 
characters  of  his  virtue,  and  of  repentance  for  his  errors. 

Lighter  charges  require  fewer  words.  The  Author  of  the  Pursuits 
reprobated  Dr.  Warton,  and  in  my  opinion  justly,  for  having  exhibited 
a  contemptible,  smuggled  likeness  of  Mr.  Pope.  As  to  the  propriety 
and  kindness  of  this  conduct,  I  refer  to  Dr.  Warton's  own  words.  '*■  The 
"  portrait  was  drawn  without  his  hnozvlcdge,  when  he  was  deeply  engaged 
"  in  conversation  with  Mr.  Allen  in  the  gallery  at  Prior  Park,  by  Mr. 
^'  Hoare,  who  sat  at  the  other  end  of  the  gallery.  Pjpe  vjould  never 
"  have  forgiven  the  painter  had  he  knovjn  it.  He  ivas  too  sen3':ble  of  the 
*'  deforrnitj  of  iiis  person,  to  allorj  the  -ivbole  of  it  to  be  represented.  This 
"  drawing  is  therefore  exceedingly  "oaluabie.-l''  And  therefore 
the  kindness  and  moral  delicacy  of  Dr.  Warton  are  exceedingly  remar- 
kable and  conspicuous.  In  kindness  to  Dr.  Warton,  I  sincerely  hope  that 
no  critic  will  hereafter  give  the.  Progressionist  fresh  materials  for  writing 
in  his  defence. 

The  Progressionist  i.s  unwilling  that  any  figures  on  the  literary  can- 
vass of  "  his  adversary"  should  bs  unnoticed  or  untouched.  He  wishes 
to  re-animate  tliem  all.  He  has  a  dexterity  bordering  on  the  Androides.^ 
and  Automata  of  the  day,  and  pretty  much  after  the  same  manner.  He 
pulls  the  strings,  and  the  puppets  dance,  and  sometimes  continue  longer 

*  Mr.  Pope's  last  Will  and  Testament, 
t  Warton's  Pope,  vol.  i.  p.  ix. 


[      406      ] 

on  the  scene  than  could  be  wished.  The  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  con- 
tented himself  with  drawing  a  picture  of  life,  as  it  is.  The  Progressionist 
would  fain  exhibit  the  figures  distorted  ;  and  as  he  has  often  obtained  for 
himself"  the  Praise  of  Folly;  has  no  objection  to  the  caricatures  of  Hol- 
bein *. 

He  appears  to  great  advantage  in  the  character  of  a  Conjuror.,  or 
Raree-shoiv  man.  His  glass  magnifies  or  diminishes  at  pleasure,  but 
the  objects  are  very  clear.  When  he  has  prepared  his  little  machiner)', 
the  company  are  admitted,  and  he  begins. 

First.,  he  presents  to  your  view  at  full  length,  the  figure  of  a  Bishop, 
drawn  from  the  plains  of  Salisbuiy,  with  the  happy  genius  of  Stukely 
himself.  He  puts  a  wine-glass  in  his  hand;  by  magic  turns  his  port  into 
circulating  claret;  next  gives  him  a  twist  round  before  the  spectators, 
writes  his  name  on  his  back,  and  dismisses  him. 

Then,  presto,  a  Barrister,  from  the  fatigues  of  a  long  state -trial, 
and  "  incessant  exertions"  for  Home  Tooke,  Citizen  Hardy,  Thomas 
Holcrofc,  John  Thelwall,  and  the  whole  crew.  A  bell  rings,  and  up 
comes  an  apothecary  with  opium  for  Mr.  Erskine,  and  the  dregs  for  his 
clerk.  A  chariot  next  appears ;  the  door  opens,  and  Mr.  Erskine,  in  a 
kind  of  convulsive  lassitude,  falls  back  into  his  seat.  A  little  mob  of 
figures  rises,  takes  off  the  horses,  and  drags  tbe  Barrister  fast  asleep  into 
Serjeant's  Inn,  where  he  wakes  just  time  enough  to  make  the  citizens 
and  c\t\zett€s  a  speech ;  he  gives  a  yawn,  and  reposes  again.  He  then 
wakes,  and  chaunts  first  a  kind  of  Granuale,  composed  for  the  chapel  of  an 
intended  republican  Conservatorio,  but  without  much  counterpoint.  Last, 
with  a  voce  di  petto,  accompanied  by  one  of  his  virtuosi  da  camera,  the 
Barrister  sings  out  various  stanzas  from  his  pam.phlet  on  the  French  War, 
selected  for  the  purpose ;  but  perceiving  how  little  effect  they  have,  and 
finding  his  portainento  drowned  by  an  increasing  chorus  of  "  God  save 
"  the  King,"  louder  and  louder  throughout  all  the  Inns  of  Court;  he  drops 
his  voice  and  his  pamphlet  together,  and  is  carried  off  fast  asleep,  as 
before. 


*  See  "  Erasml  Morix  Encomium  fia:uris  Holbenii-." 


[      407      ] 

The  scene  shifts;  andlo!  an  Under-Sec retaiy  of  State,  with  a  Mtcro- 
eosm  before  him.  A  distant  view  of  Etcni  colkge,  a  transparency  in  the 
manner  of  Loutherboiirgh.  He  tells  the  audience,  that  the  Under-Secre- 
tary wrote  and  thought  when  he  was  a  boy,  and  spolie  when  he  became 
a  man ;  and  makes  the  spectators  observe  how  very  trifling  the  difference 
is  between  the  little,  and  the  great  world,  and  tlie  moral  of  the  piece. 

The  Progressionist,  or  Raree-show  man,  next  presents  us  with  an 
auction  room,  with  booksellers  and  their  shop-men,  and  various  other 
scholars  round  the  table,  who  generally  plead  ignorance  as  to  the  value 
of  the  books,  till  a  Doctor  in  divinity  explains  and  nods;  and  he  parti- 
cularly takes  care  that  the  spectators  shall  know  who  the  Doctor  is.  It 
was  observable,  that  in  the  title  page  of  one  of  the  o/c/  black  letter  books, 
there  was  a  figure  of  Prodigality,  contented  at  last  to  feed  on  busks  in  a 
foreign  couniry ;  but  the  company  in  general  were  so  struck,  or  offended 
at  the  print,  that  only  one  gentleman  would  bid  for  the  book. 

The  next  change  of  scene  is  to  a  hall,  or  committee-room.  A  phan- 
tom rises  with  scales  in  his  hand,  inscribed  '■^  Truth  and  Sense."*'  He 
puts  into  one  the  Baviad  and.Mxviad,  the  Purs-jits  of  Literature,  and 
some  of  the  Anti-Jacobin  newspapers;  in  the  other  the  second  edition  of 
the  Procuress  of  Satire,  the  Impartial  Strictures,  some  leaves  from  the 
Reviews  and  the  True  Briton,  and  Jerninghara's  poems]  for  a  make- 
weight, but  all  in  vain  ;  the  art  of  the  conjuror  cannot  prevent  the  air  of 
the  room  from  dispersing  them  by  their  own  lightness. 

We  are  next  presented  with  the  private  study  of  a  Doctor  in  Divinit}', 
in  which  the  sixth  volume  of  Dr.  Warton's  edition  of  Pope's  works  is 
lettered  Rochester  instead  of  Pope.  He  strives  hard,  in  laboured  terms, 
to  persuade  the  spectators  that  the  scene-painter  only  is  in  fault;  but  the 
letters  are  too  plain  to  be  mistaken. 

The  scene  then  changes  to  a  view  of  the  coasts  of  Brittany  and  Nor- 
mandy, with  the  images  of  Pantagruel  and  Panurgcf  in  the  ship,  when 
they  met  nine  sail  spooming  before  the  wind,  full  of  Dominicans,  Jesuits, 

*  Sec  the  motto  to  the  Progress  of  Satire ;  concerning  "  the  adclle- 
"  beaded  public  "  or  the  English  Nation;  and  ui$  ofvs  "  Scales  of'Trut% 
"  and  Sense." 

t  Rabelais,  b.  4.  chap.  18,  £cc. 


[      408      ] 

Capuchins,  Austins,  Bemardins,  Cordeliers,  Carmelitts,  and  tlie  d-v-1  and 
all  ot   holy   monks  and  friars   who  were  going  to  council  at  the  castle  of 

W .     He  shews  you  how  Panurgc  played  the  good  fellow  after  the 

storm  was  over,  and  would  fain  have  sung  with  Friar  Jabti*  the  Contra 
Hostium  Insiciius,  as  matter  of  breviary.  The  Progressionist  then 
comes  forwa-d  himself,  and  gives  you  to  understand  that  bis  oivn  name  is 
Wiiliam  Dreadnought,  and  swears,  "  by  the  pavilion  of  Mars,  that  he 
"  fears  nothing  but  danger." 

One  of  the  last  scenes  exhibits  Samuel  Johnson  in  a  desert  island,  and 
Junius  (from  the  neighbourhood  of  Stoiu)  in  a  mask;  and  between  the 
two,  uprises  "  Jack  the  Giant-killer  in  a  coat  of  darkness."  In  the  back- 
ground a  figure  of  St.  John  in  the  wilderness,  in  chiaro  oscuro,  with  an 
inscription  from  the  Bible. f 

The  Progressionist  liaving  tluio  for  some  time  recalled  the  public 
attention  to  the  objects  of  his  panegyric,  by  such  a  judicious  exhibi- 
tion, suddenly  quits  his  character  of  Ruree-show  man,  and  the  language 
of  the  Fantocini.  He  next  commences  verse-maker.,  and  having  snuffed 
up  a  sufficient  quantity  of  the  fatal  blosaoms  on  the  celebrated  tree  near 
Helicon, :{:  nvhose  scent  alone  is  death.)  he  rhymes  lustily  and  furiously,  and 
not  without  great  danger  to  himself.  He  tells  us  bow  Satire  was  born 
and  bred,  and  how  she  grew  up,  married  and  i§ad  ciiildren,  and  what 
were  the  names  of  the  children,  and  who  were  their  nurses.)!  But  in  spite 
of  all  his  lusty  efforts,  the  language  Is  still  that  of  lullaby,  and  it  is  well, 
if  we  can  recollect  even  the  matters  of  fact.  But  as  he  himself  recollects, 
that  the  zeal  of  a  certain  description  of  persons  must  always  offend,  but 
most  of  all  in  rhyme,  he  not  unwisely  divides  his  labours. 

"  Verse-man  or  prose-man,  term  him  which  you  will, 
"  His  head  and  heart  come  tiowing  tlirough  his  q'ill ; 

*  So  Whether  an  ancestor  of  Join  Milner,  of  Wincliester. 
t   See  the  end  of  The  Progressionist's  Preface,  2d  edit. 
\       Est  etiam  in  magnis  Heliconis  montibus  arbos, 

Floris  odore  hominein  tetro  consueta  necart^.      1  .itcret.  1.  6.  v.  786. 
II  See  "  The  Progress  of  Satire,"  from  p.  i.  tu  p.    28;  that   is,  "  iZ-f 
*'  ivbole  of  the  verses." 


[      409      ] 

"  His  foes  will  wish  his  life  a  longer  date  ; 

"  But  scarcely  will  bis  friends  lament  his  fate." 

The  Progressionist  then  suddenly  drives  to  Westminster-hall,  and  casts 
a  longing  lingering  look  upon  the  benches  in  the  different  courts,  parti- 
cularly in  the  King's  Bench.  Gowns,  briefs,  demurrers,  replications, 
issues,  and  libels  dance  before  his  eyes  in  legal  confusion  ;  and  his  lan- 
guage is  th«  unnatural  mixture  of  law,  nonsense,  verse,  and  absurdity- 
It  is  in  short  any  thing  but  the  common  parlance  of  Parnassus,  and  the 
courts  above.  He  should  take  a  little  instruction  from  "  Tbe  Pleader's 
*'  Guide;"  which  the  friends  of  wit  and  good  sense  have  long  wished  to 
see  completed.  He  toils  and  groans,  and  would  fain  give  Mr.  Barrister 
Erskine  a  retaining  fee  against  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  "  who,  (as  he 
"  declares)  holds  barristers  in  such  supreme  contempt."  It  would,  how- 
ever, be  difScult  to  prove  tliis.  Hi  speaks  indeed  of  the  dulness  of  law- 
yers in  state-affairs;  but  as  to  their  dignity,  brightness,  integrity,  and 
intelligence  in  their  own  department  he  does  not  so  much  as  hint  at  them. 
But,  I  hear,  general  dulness  is  Implied  in  the  charge.  I  make  no  doubt 
if  some  literary  Charles  Surface  were  to  ask  the  Progressionist,  like  Moses 
in  the  play,  if  it  were  not  so  ;  he  would  say  witji  the  little  Israelite,  "  O 
^^  yesb^  I  vill  take  my  oath  of  that."  Really  from  the  specimen  he  has 
given,  you  might  also  take  him  for  Moses  in  another  point,  when  Sir 
Oliver  enquires  after  the  family  library.  "  I  don't  think,  says  Charles, 
"  that  Moses  can  direct  you  there.'' — No,  no,  he  replies,  "  I  naiver  med- 
"  dlesb  vitb  books."  Now  The  Progressionist  certainly  does  meddle  with 
books;  but  as  to  understanding  their  contents,  or  the  plain  sense  of  a 
single  argument  in  law,  prose,  or  verse,  "  dat  .'sb  quaite  out  of  hisb  way." 

Whether  logic  originally  begat  law,  or  law  engendered  logic,  I 
know  not ;  but  there  is  often  some  pleasant  confusion  between  them. 
Yet  I  would  advise  the  Progressionist  to  speak  with  more  respect  of 
Duncan's  Elements  than  he  does  of  Blackstonc.  It  is  plain,  that  he  has 
been  formerly  engaged  in  an  academic  hunt  atter  truth,  and  has  endea- 
voured, with  very  great  diligence,  to  distinguish  a  curve  from  a  strait 
line  :  but  all  his  industry  has  been  in  \ain.  If  Eton  and  Oxford  united 
their  great  masters  in  philology  and  philospphy,  iu  the  cultivation  of  the 
Progressionist's  understanding  ;  I  will  say  with  Cicero,  "  Invideo  sane 

3^ 


[      410     ] 

"  Magistris,  qui  ilium,  tanta  mercede,  nihil  s^perc  dociienint."  I  ara 
sure  he  will  never  make  an  honest  livelihood  by  his  logic,  his  law,  or  his 
verse.  lie  gravely  tells  us,  that  the  irrefragable  aigument  of  whips  and 
bludgeons  is  against  the  King's  peace  ;  but  that  an  action  for  damages 
lies  against  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  Poor  man  !  I  am  sure  none  but 
his  own  bookseller  will  ever  sue  the  Progressionist  for  damages.  I  be- 
lieve he  is  like  Ebenezer  Broadbrim,  in  Foote's  Devil  on  Two  Sticks, 
and  would  willingly  "  send  for  a  sinful  man  in  tbefesb,  called  an  Attor- 
ney, to  prepare  a  parchment,  and  carry  the  Author  of  the  Pursuits  to 
judgment  before  the  men  clothed  in  lamb-skin  at  Westminster."  I  think 
however  the  cause  of  the  P.  of  L.  might  be  safely  entrusted  to  Lord 
Kenyon.  His  Lordship  exercises  the  talent  of  classical  quotation  with 
too  curious  a  felicity,  to  be  very  angry  at  the  application  of  Horace, 
except  in  a  translation.  You  remember  the  discourse  between  Trebatius 
and  the  poet  too  well,  to  trouble  you  with  the  passage.  In  my  opinion, 
in  these  times,  the  Plaintiff  against  the  Pursuits  (like  the  Progressionist 
by  the  public)  would  be  hissed  in  Court,  my  Lorsls  the  Judges  would 
laugh,  and  the  Defendant  be  dismissed. 

The  Progressionist  tells  us,  with  great  effect,  of  the  approbation  which 
has  been  given  to  his  Essay  by  many  of  the  best  judges,  and  by  the  pub- 
lic in  general.  He  says  "  he  scorns  to  quote  the  private  conversations 
"  of  any  man  in  favour  of  his  ivork."  It  is  most  certainly  true,  that 
Mr.  Bryant,  Sir  George  Baker,  Mr.  GifFord,  and  Mr.  Antony  Storer, 
have  expressed  very  favourable  opinions  of  "  the  Pursuits  of  Literature." 
Two  of  these  four  gentlemen  the  Progressionist  could  also  name,  as  his 
panegyrists.  Prudence  and  gratitude  however  induce  him  to  decline  it. 
It  seems  he  h.as  some  regard  for  the  character  of  the  t%vo.  But  he  cannot 
stir  a  step  without  shewing  his  literary  lineage,  and  hereditary  right  to 
the  broad  honours  of  the  Danciad.  He  is  not  indeed  witty  himself,  but 
he  has  half  Falstaff's  merit  ;  he  is,  and  will  continue  to  be,  the  cause  of 
wit  and  pleasantry  in  other  men.  There  is  an  amiable  modesty  in  with- 
holding the  names  of  the  two  panegyrists,  while  the  names  of  above  two 
hundred  and  t\vtv\X.y-t%vo  thousand,  or  more,  are  alluded  to,  namely  the 
Public  in  general.)  who  have  applauded  the  Progressionist's  little  pamphlet. 
I  will  supply  him  with  a  sentence  for  the  next  edition,  very  m.uch  Vi  his 
purpose.      It  is  conceived  in  the  following  words. 


i 


C      411      ] 

"  I,  THE  Progressionist,  do  here  return  my  most  luinible  thanks, 
to  the  utmost  of  my  poor  capacity,  and  with  extreme  gratitude,  to  his 
Majesty,  and  both  Houses  of  Parliament,  to  the  Lords  of  the  King's 
Most  Honourable  Privy  Council,  to  the  Reverend  the  Judges  Englisli, 
Welsh,  Scotch,  and  Irish  ;  to  the  Clergy,  Gentry,  and  Yeomanry,  the 
Provissional  Cavalry,  Fencibles,  and  Volunteers  ;  and  in  particular,  to 
my  worthy  friends  in  Westminster-hall,  the  Inns  of  Court,  Moornelds, 
and  all  other  halls  and  fields ;  for  their  generous  and  universal  accept- 
ance of  mis  MY  DIVINE  TREATISE."* 

I  am  indeed  willing  to  believe,  that  not  an  Empyric  in  the  country 
has  his  study  filled  with  so  many  attestations  to  his  extraordinary  merit. 
He  need  only  take  his  patients  before  my  Lord  Mayor,  to  swear  to  the 
truth,  and  then  seal  every  copy  of  his  Essay  with  his  own  name  and  seal, 
■with  directions  ho-,v  to  use  it.  But,  like  other  quacks,  he  ^records  only 
the  cures. 

In  the  last  page  of  his  Postscript,  he  assumes  a  more  awful  appearance. 
The  Bird,  to  whose  quill  he  is  so  much  indebted,  believes  that  he  fright- 
ens passengers  by  lifting  up  his  bill,  and  hissing.  This  is  quite  in  charac- 
ter. He  absolutely  threatens  the  Author  of  the  Pursuits  "  nvith  a  con- 
"  tinned  Commentary"  on  his  work.  "  Such  a  Commentary,  says  he,  I 
"  had  sketched,  and  had  some  thoughts  of  publishing."  He  reminds  his 
reader  of  Colly  Cibber,  and  the  furious  Mr.  John  Dennis;  and  if  he  should 
go  on  in  this  manner,  it  may  perhaps  be  necessary  to  give  some  new  account 
of  "  The  strange  and  deplorable  phrenzy  of  the  Progressionist."  Nay, 
should  the  two  well-known  lines  be  produced, 

"  Some  have  at  first  for  wits,  then  poets  past; 

"  Turn'd  critics  next,  and  prov'd  plain  fools  at  last:" 

There  is  great  reason  to  think,  he  would  fling  down  the  book,  like  Mr. 
John  Dennis,  in  a  terrible  rage,  and  cry  out,  "  By  G....,  he  means  me." 

But  it  seems,  his  Conmientary  is  reserved.  I  make  no  doubt  it  will 
be  penned  by  the  light  of  Mr.  Chalmers's  rr/^/ca/ lamp ;  or  of  the  modern 
invention,  which  consumes  its  own  smoke.  I  believe  Pope  might  as  soon 
have  dreaded  a  commentary  (for  he  too  was  threatened  with  a  Commen- 

*  Tale  of  a  Tub,  sect.    lo. 


C      412      ] 

tary)  from  tlie  pen  of  Matthew  Coiicanen,  nvbo  -u-as  Ired  to  the  law,  or 
have  been  affected  hy  the  scurrilities  of  such  men  in  the  British  and 
London  Journals  of  his  time. 

But  the  Progressionist  tells  the  Public,  Tr/'o  lave  applauded  his 
v/ORK,  that  he  has  actually  begun  to  sketch  the  ComiriCntary.  Here 
again  is  another  palpable  imitation  ot  one  of  his  predecessors.  He  re- 
minds me  of  Mr.  Giles  Jacob,  vjbo  iras  bred  to  the  law,  like  IMr.  Matthew 
Concanen.  He  also  told  tb<'  Public,  that  he  diverted  himself  with  poetry, 
between  the  intervals  of  his  more  laborious  studies.  He  again  told  the 
Public,  that  "  He  (Mr.  Giles  Jacob)  has  by  him  a  poem  of  his  own  wri- 
"  ting,  tiot  ret  finished,  which  begins  thus,  Sec."  The  plagiarism  of 
Dunces  is  natural.  But  the  imitation  of  the  Progressionist  is  defective 
in  one  point ;  he  has  not  told  the  Public  hew  his  Commentary  begins. 
If  "  The  Progress  of  Satire"'  may  be  considered  only  as  the  beginning, 
1  w'ould  advise  him,  not  even  to  advance  so  far  as  the  celebrated  Canto 
of  the  Bear  and  Fiddle,  but  to  break  off  at  an  earlier  period. 

But  you  must  now  prepare  yourself.  I  am  to  announce  the  fatal 
catastrophe;  the  death  and  demise  of  the  Author  of  the  Pursuits  of  Li- 
terature, declared  by  the  Progressionist.  Hear  his  words.  "  I  perceive 
"  mj  Adversarv  sinking  without  a  blow.  We  now  scarcely  ever  hear 
"  of  the  Pursuits  of  Literature.  The  Author  has  had  his  day  1  and 
"  will  be  more  ?-emembered  hereafter  (if  he  is  remembered)  in  the 
"  WORKS  o?  his  Antagonists,  than  by  his  own  1  1  1" 

So  sunk  the  stone  of  David  into  the  front  of  the  Philistine  :  so  falls 
the  Author  of  the  Pursuits  of  Literature  by  the  hand  of  the  Progression* 

ist  !    MORTALITATEJI    EXPLKVIT    1 

As  his  friend  I  must  lament  him.  I  will  report  him  and  his  cause 
to  the  unsatisfied.  I  know  he  loved  his  country,  and  would  fain  have 
done  h.er  some  service.     1  heard  him  say,  "  She  has  my  dying  voice." 

As  the  election  lights  on  me,  as  h.ls  Apologist,  I  must  rise  from  this 
scene  of  death,  and  say  a  few  w'ords.  Since  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L. 
"  HAS  HAD  HIS  DAi','"  and  is  no  more ;  1  will  reouest  a  few  minutes  in 
his  behalf.  The  Progressionist  yet  lives,  and  posterity  will  wonder  at 
his  labours,  in  proportion  to  the  admiration  of  the  present  age. 

Many  are  tlie  sayings  of  the  wise  and  eminent,  concerning  the  love 
of  fame,  and  of  lionourable  estimation.     Tacitus  and   Milton   have  de- 


[      413      ] 

clared  it  to  be  the  last  infinniLy  of  noble  minds.  ]Mr.  Pennant  Iras  im- 
proved upon  the  text,  and  first  taught  us  to  anticipate  the  pleasure  of 
dissolution.  But  the  desire  of  life  and  reputation  increased  with  the  sup- 
posed extinction.  The  sensible  warm  motion  of  the  ingenious  Naturalist 
soon  chose  to  resume  its  functions.  The  P^onian  herbs  from  Hsndostan 
have  convinced  the  public  that  he  had  only  suffered  a  suspended  anima- 
tion ;  and  it  would  be  kind  if  he  would  inform  us  all,  but  authors  in 
particular,  what  dreams  attended  him  in  this  sleep  of  death.*  The  Pro- 
gressionist, full  of  his  own  ideas,  has  no  desire  of  becoming  a  kneaded 
clod;  but  waits  patiently  for  his  destiny. 

Yet  if  I  were  in  his  situation,  1  should  take  the  celebrated  Peter 
Porcupine,t  for  my  example  ;  I  may  here  observe,  that  America  has  not  a 
more  active,  zealous  and  useful  citizen,  or  Great  Britain  a  warmer  friend, 
than  honest  Peter.  In  his  literary  features  he  is  rather  roughly  stamp- 
ed ;  but  he  understands  the  time.  He  can  descant  upon  the  deformity 
of  it,  and  hold  a  looking  glass  to  the  world,  wherein  they  may  see  strange 
sights.  There  is  a  vigour,  a  simplicity,  and  an  upri"ght  intention  in  all 
his  works,  which  speak  to  the  heart.  When  nature  and  honesty  are  work- 
ing at  the  root,  the  plants  will  be  sound  and  healthy.  Lxta  et  fortia 
surgunt,  quippe  solo  Nature  subest  !  I  offer,  with  pleasure,  this  passing 
tribute  to  a  bold,  sensible,  industrious,  spirited,  and  most  deserving  man. 

I  wish  the  Progressionist  would  profit  by  his  modesty  and  imitate  it. 
Let  him  say  fairly  for  once  with  Peter  ;  "  I  should  never  look  upon  my 
"  family  with  a  dry  eye,  if  I  did  not  hope  to  outlive  my  v,'orks."| 

But  though  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  "  has  had  his  VAr,"  and  is 
no  more ;  yet  1  still  think  we  hear  of  his  v/ork,  and  other  countries  hear 
of  it  too.     It  srems  as  if  they  would  not  willingly  let  it  die.      In  the 


*  See  the  Life  of  the  late  Mr.  Fennant,  written  by  iiimself.  Since 
Ills  departure  from  the  world  he  has  published  a  history  of  Hiiidostan,  ia 
2  vols.  4to. 

t  .William  Cobbett. 

\  See  the  Republican  Judge,  or  the  American  Liberty  of  the  Press, 
Sec.  by  William  Cobbett,  or  Peter  Porcupine,  p.  49.  Printed  for  Wright, 
Piccadilly.     This  pamphlet  should  be  read. 


[      414      ] 

very  day  of  turbulence,  terror,  and  rebellion,  Ireland  thouglit  proper  to 
adopt  and  naturalize  it.  Literary  leisure  still  found  a  place  with  loyalty 
in  her  best  subjects.  May  the  times  of  refreshing  and  restitution  soon 
arrive,  Custode  rerum  Casare  I  May  the  words  of  a  poet  be  soon  real- 
ized by  the  great  and  good  Curnwallis,  in  that  deluded,  unhappy,  and 
distracted  kingdom. 

Janum  clausit,  ct  ordinem 
Rectum,  et  vaganti  frxna  licentiK 
Injecit,  amovitque  culpas, 
Et  veteres  revocavit  artes  I 

I  am  also  pleased  to  record,  that  beyond  the  Atlantic,  in  that  country 
which  has  resisted,  and  is  at  this  instant  resisting,  with  a  temperate,  col- 
lected, firm,  and  reflecting  wisdom  and  spirit,  the  tyranny,  the  arrogance, 
and  the  shameless  insidious  corruption  of  the  Ministers  of  France ;  this 
work  on  the  Pursuits  of  Literature  is  noiv  circulating.  The  inhabitants 
of  the  United  States  find  in  it  the  true  principles  of  practicable  govern- 
ment, and  the  exposure  of  pretended  patriots.  They  find  the  principles 
of  religion  rftommended  and  enforced,  without  bigotry  and  superstition, 
or  the  indifference  of  an  accommodating  philosophy.  Whatever  is  im- 
portant to  man,  to  social  order,  and  to  the  bonds  of  all  good  government, 
is  shewn  by  reason,  by  precept,  and  by  example.  They  find  the  men, 
the  n^.easures,  and  the  doctrines  marked,  which  conduce  to  that  end. 

I  now  speak  only  of  the  work,  as  the  author  himself  is  no  more;  and 
even  the  Progressionist  may  adopt  the  sentiment  and  expressions  of  his 
favourite  Horace  : 

Qui  prsegravat  artes 
Lifra  se  positas,  extinctus  amabitur  idem. 

It  is  indeed  singular  and  surprising,  when  we  are  told,  that  "  the  very 
"  purpose  of  my  deceased  friend's  work  is  to  exalt,  or  depress  the  fame 
"  of  contemporary  writers  at  his  sovereign  will  and  pleasure."*  Such  is 
the  assertion  of  the  Progressionist.  The  kindred  malevolence  of  his  Im- 
partial Brother  informs  us  in  terms  much  stronger,  and  with  still  more 


Progress  of  Satire. 


[      415      ] 

effrontej-y,  that  "  The  Pursuits  of  Literature  is  an  indiscriminate  abuse 
"  levelled  against  genius  and  ability  of  every  description;"  and  that  It  is 
"  An  endeavour  to  depreciate  the  abilities,  the  learning,  and  tlie  morah 

"  of   THE    BEST,    THE   JVISEST,    ylNU   THE   GREATEST  OF  THE   SONS"  {a.)  of 

Great  Britain. 

An  appeal  to  the  work  itself  is  the  best  answer.  If  you  turn  to  the 
book,  you  will  not  be  less  disgusted,  than  indignant  at  such  a  charge. 
The  incubation  of  heated  dulness  upon  malignity  could  alone  generate 
such  an  abortion.  For  my  own  part,  I  wish  you  would  once  again  have 
recourse  to  the  pages  of  the  Pursuits  of  Literature,  which,  as  we  are 
told,  is  "  An  indiscriminate  abuse  levelled  against  genius,  and  ability  of 
"  every  description;"  and  in  which,  as  it  would  seem,  nothing  is  to  be 
found  in  praise  of  living  contemporary  writers. 

Is  the  panegyric  on  Mr.  Bryant,  nothing?  Are  the  recorded  and 
repeated  eulogies  on  Mr.  Burke,  living  and  dead,  nothing?  Is  the  praise 
so  liberally  given  to  Mr.  Roscoe,  nothing?  Is  the  feeling  encomium  on 
Mr.  Mehnoth,  nothing?  Is  the  solemn  and  dignified  recommendation 
oi' parts  of  Mr.  King's  Avork,  nothing?  Is  the  tribute,  so  justly  deserv- 
ed, to  the  philosophic  genius  of  Mr.  Atwood,  nothing?  Is  the  character 
of  Mr.  Pitt's  eloquence,  firmness,  and  ability,  nothing  ?  Is  the  honour- 
uble  testimony  to  Bishop  Kurd's  merit,  "  the  laureat  wreath  of  Worces- 
"  ter,"  nothing?  Is  the  record  of  Bishop  Watson's  literary  services, 
professional  labours,  and  sacred  eloquence,  nothing?  Is  the  memorial 
of  Count  Rumford's  active  and  unceasing  benevolence,  nothing?  Is  the 
generous  and  just  praise  of  Mr.  GifFord,  a  rival  poet  in  the  same  province, 
nothing?  Are  the  poets  Beattie,  Cowper,  and  Cumberland ;  the  inge- 
nuity and  deep  researches  of  Mr.  Maurice ;  the  classical  and  judicious 
labours  of  that  polite  scholar  Mr.  Lumisden;  the  amiable  mildness  of  the 
very  learned  Mr.  Cracherode;  the  scientific  skill  and  unwearied  perseve- 
rance of  Mr.  Samuel  Lysons;  the  honourable,  virtuous,  efficient,  and  con- 
stitutional labours  of  Mr.  Reeves ;  or  the  pious  patriotism  of  Mr.  Rowdier, 
passed  over  in  silence  and  without  honour?  Are  the  professional  exer- 
tions of  that  excellent,  humane,  and  learned  lawyer.  Sir  John  Scott ;  or 
the  dignity,  knowledge,  and  temperate  eloquence  of  the  Right   Honour- 

a     Impartial  Strictures,  kc.  p.  26  and  27. 


[      416      ] 

able  Mr.  Addin^ton,  forgotten  or  disregarded  ?  Ave  the  erudition  and 
medical  skill  of  the  venerable  Dr.  Heberden,  Dr.  Glynn,  Sir  George 
Baker,  Dr.  Mllman,  and  Dr.  Littlehales  ;  the  philosophical  researches 
of  T^Ir.  Abernetliy  ;  or  the  rising  genius,  and  talents  of  Mr.  Westall; 
unnoticed  ?  Is  the  glory  of  architbcture,  Mr.  Wyatt,  or  the  fancy  of 
Mr.  Soane,  withont  remembrance  I  Is  the  respect  paid  to  the  learned 
diligence  of  Mr.  Isaac  Reed;  to  the  polite  manners,  and  extensive  parli- 
amentary investigations  of  Mr.  Hatsell  ;  and  to  the  correct  understand- 
ing of  Mr.  Planta,  to  be  considered  as  nothing  ?  Is  the  tribute  to  the 
liberality,  the  abilities,  and  generous  exertions  of  Sir  Joseph  Banks, 
nothing  ?  Are  the  testimonies  to  the  erudition,  piety,  and  talents  of 
Dr.  Paley,  Mr.  Wilberforce,  Dr.  Hey,  Dr.  Blaney,  Dr.  Vincent,  and 
Mr.  Gisborne,  nothing?  Are  all  the  just  honours  offered  to  Dr.  Doug- 
las, the  Bishop  of  Salisbury  ;  to  Dr.  Sutton,  the  Bishop  of  Norwich;  to 
Dr.  Yorke,  the  Bishop  of  Ely  ;  and  Dr.  Porteous,  the  Bishop  of  London  ; 
to  be  considered  as  nothing?  Are  they  all  dead?  Is  their  virtue  all 
defunct  ?  or  are  they  not  still  among  the  /ivijig  ornaments  of  their 
Country  ? 

Surely  this  is  a  voluntary  offering  to  living  contemporary  merit.  I 
consider  it,  Sir,  as  a  libation  from  that  Pierian  vase,  which  the  Theban 
once  described,  as  sparkling  with  the  choicest  dew  of  the  vine.  In  this  at 
least  the  Author  of  the  Pursuits  of  Literature  has  approved  himself,  as 
the  herald  of  living  genius,  trutli,  and  virtue. 

But  must  we  say,  that  "  tbd  abilities^  the  learnings  and  the  morals^  of 
"  riiE  BEST',  'The  ins  est,  and  -The  greatest  of  tlie  Sons"  of  Great  Bri- 
tain, are  depreciated,  because  such  persons  as  I  shall  recite,  without  one 
word  of  comment,  from  the  book  before  me,  are  not  mentioned  with  par- 
ticular honour  or  commendation  I  Must  we  consider  them  (however  good, 
wise,  or  great  they  may  be,)  as  "  the  best,  the  wisest^  and  the  greatest  of 
"  the  Sons"  of  Great  Britain?  Are  we  to  stile  Home  Tooke,  Dr. 
Priestley,  Lord  Stanhope,  Dr.  Parr,  Mr.  Porson,  Dr.  Darwin,  Peter 
Pindar,  Mr.  Lewis,  Mr.  Knight,  Pvlr.  Jernlngham,  Mr.  Boscawen, 
Mr.  George  Steevens,  Mr.  Rltson,  Mr.  Ireland,  Mr.  I'lerney,  Gilbert 
Wakefield,  Dr.  Geddes,  Charles  James  Fox,  Richard  Brinsley  Sheri- 
dan, Mr.  Barrister  Erskine,  the  Duke  of  Bedford,  Lord  Lauderdale, 
Lord  Lansdown,  Mr.  Joseph   Jekyll,  William  Godwin,  Thomas   Paine, 


C     417      ] 

Thomas   Holcroft,  or  John  Thelwall,  as  absolutely  "  fiiE   beht,  the 

"   fyrSEST,    AND  THE  GHEAT'EST  OF  THE  SoNS"    OF  GrEAT  BrITAInP 

If  ever  contemptible  sophistry  and  gross  falsehood  were  to  be  found  in 
a  charge,  they  are  found  in  this  charge.  Upon  my  word,  Sir,  it  is  eitlier 
egregious  trifling  in  the  Progressionist,  and  his  Impartial  Brother  to  talk 
in  this  manner  ;  or  it  is  wiltul,  wicked,  shameless,  and  scandalous  mis- 
representation. It  betrays  a  corrupted  heart,  and  an  irritated  head.  There, 
is  besides  such  a  stupidity  and  dulness  in  the  mode  of  the  attack,  which 
all  the  "  urtica:  marinx"  or  sea-nettles,  so  lovingly  recommended  by  one 
of  the  Commentators  on  Sh.akspeare,  could  not  excite  into  action.  I 
would  ask  with  Junius,  "  Is  the  union  of  Blijil  and  Black  George  no 
"  longer  a  Romance  ?"  (a) 

I  think  the  declaration  of  the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  may  be  no'iu  fully 
justified.  It  may  he  deduced  in  all  its  parts;  and  the  work  itself  proved 
to  have  been  begun,  conducted  and  completed  upon  public  principle  alone. 
The  words  of  its  Author  may  now  appear  with  new  force,  and  with  truth 
not  to  be  resisted.  "  The  work  was  written  upon  no  private  motive  what- 
"  soever;  but  simply  and  solely  as  the  conduct  of  the  persons  mentioned 
"  or  alluded  to,  or  the  manner  of  their  compositions,  or  the  principles  of 
"  their  writings,  tend  to  influence  and  affect  the  learning,  the  government, 
"  the  religion,  the  public  morality,  the  public  happiness,  and  the  public 
"  security  of  this  Nation."  (b) 

The  author  of  the  Pursuits  of  Literature  is  said  by  the  Progressionist 
"  to  have  disdained  (ivbile  be  was  yet  living  J  to  name  any  of  bis  achersc- 
"  ries,  or  to  reply  in  detail  to  any  of  their  accusations."  I  think  he  was 
right.  He  is  said  also,  to  have  corrected  some  mistakes  pointed  out  by 
the  Progressionist,  and  not  to  have  acknowledged  the  kindness.  The 
confusion  in  this  man's  mind  is  equal  to  its  irritation.  I  presume,  before 
an  obligation  is  personally  acknowledged,  a  favour  must  be  received.  If 
indeed  I  could  believe,  that  he  had  ever  attended  for  a  moment  to  siicb  a 
Critic  as  the  Progressionist,  I  think  he  must  have  remembered  an  ajlegoiy 


a     Junius.  Letter  57. 

b     P.  of  L.  Preface  to  the  First  Dialogue. 

;  G 


[     418      ] 

preserved  by  Pausanias,  (a)  and  beautifally  restored  to  its  original  mean- 
ing by  the  celebrated  Dean  of  St.  Patrick's.  It  is  this.  "  The  Nau- 
"  plians  in  Argia  learned  the  art  of  Pruning  tlieir  vines,  by  observing, 
"  that  when  an  ass  ha'd  browzed  upon  one  of  them,  it  thrived  the  better^ 
"  and  bore  fairer  fruit."  (b) 

The  Progressionist  absolutely  condemns  the  poetry  of  the  Pursuits  of 
Literature.  This  is  unfortunate  ;  but  he  is  positive  in  his  assertion.  From 
sucb  a  judge,  (for  whom,  I  suppose,  Cremona  and  Mantua  might  formerly 
have  contended)  it  is  difficult  to  appeal.  He  and  his  Impartial  Brother 
produce  thirty  or  forty  lines,  out  of  near  sixt-een  hundred,  some  of  which 
might  certainly  be  improved,  and  they  exult  in  their  discovery.  That 
author  indeed  appealed  to  the  lovers  of  Dryden  and  Pope;  and  (if  he 
nv ere  yet  living)  I  am  convinced  he  would  continue  to  do  so.  Read  his 
poem  again,  and  I  think  you  will  be  persuaded  that  he  acted  wisely.  You 
recollect,  that  Dryden,  in  hia  latter  days,  once  addressed  Congreve  in 
these  pathetic  lines. 

"  Be  kind  to  my  remains ;  and  oh,  defend 
"  Against  your  judgment,  your  departed  friend; 
"  Let  not  th'  insulting  foe  my  fame  pursue, 
"  But  shade  those  laurels  which  descend  to  you." 

But  all  which  I  shall  offer  in  the  defence  of  the  Author  of  tl>c  P.  of  L. 
shall  be  strictly  according  to  my  judgment,  and  my  knowledge  of  him. 
For  my  own  part,  if  I  knew  him  right  in  his  ^oeJ/ca/ education  and  char- 
acter, I  will  speak  of  him,  as  he  was. 

From  his  very  childhood  he  grew  up  in  silence  and  in  solitude  ; 
neither  seduced,  uor  diverted  from  his  purpose  ;  in  a  quiet  independence  ; 
nor  embarrassed  by  difficulty,  or  depressed  by  neglect ;  constant  in  thought, 
waiting  patiently  for  his  hour  ;  of  the  world  not  unknowing-,  though  un- 
known. Much  and  often  v^'ould  he  muse  on  other  times  ;  and  dwj'll  wjtli 
the  bards  and  sages,  whcse  names  are  written  in  the  books  of  fame  and 

(a)  Tec  Xiyo/niiicii  ro»  Oyov,  a>i  STTtPayuv  ciu-riXa  KXrifAc^  apSovuTifoti  ig  ra 
fHiXXov  ce7rt(p/iyi  roy  y.etfiTrov.  Pausan.  Corinth,  lib.  2.  c.  28.  p.  201.  Ed. 
Khunii. 

1*     Tale  of  a  Tub,  sect,  3. 


[      419      ] 

eternity.  His  studies  and  his  meditations  were  an  habitual  poetry.  To 
t'liose  who  observed  the  mantle  he  would  sometimes  wear  in  iiis  joutb,  it 
seemed 

Inwrought  with  figures  dim,  and  on  the  edge 
Like  to  that  sanguine  flower,  inscribed  with  ivoe. 
But  he  never  blamed  his  fate.  Most  of  all,  he  reverenced  the  lyre  ;  and 
sought  out  those  who  could  strike  the  strings  most  cunningly  and  sweetly. 
One  such  he  found.  He  looked  abroad  through  all  the  realms  of  Nature  ; 
through  her  scenes  of  majesty,  of  softness,  or  of  terror  ;  the  wilds  of  soli- 
tude, the  stormy  promontory,  the  cultivated  prospect,  the  expanse  of 
forests,  the  living  lake,  the  torrent,  or  the  cataract.  By  the  sliores  of  the 
interminable  ocean,  on  the  cliffs,  and  on  the  rag-ged  rocks,  he  found  and 
felt  the  power  of  inspiration.  But  still  his  fancy  wandered  chiefly  in 
the  mild  retreats  of  the  elder  poetry,  the  banks  of  Meander,  and  the 
Mincio.  The  scenes  of  ancient  Greece  and  Latium  were  the  hermit 
haunts  of  his  imagination.  In  the  valley  of  Tempe,  by  the  hill  of  Hy- 
niettus,  and  the  grove  of  Plato,  he  first  heard,  and  learned 

The  secret  power 
Of  harmony,  in  tones  and  numbers  hit 
By  voice,  or  hand;  and  various  raeasur'd  verse, 
yEolian  charms,  and  Dorian  lyric  odes. 
And  His,  who  gave  them  breath,  but  higher  sung. 

Sometimes  reclined  on  the  verge  of  Castalia,  he  \Tould  drink  of  the  ori- 
ginal fountain,  whose  murmurs  were  familiar  to  him.  Last  of  all,  in 
the  moments  of  divine  and  of  serene  delight,  he  would  ascend  the  cha- 
riot of  the  Muses,  and  fix  his  eye,  but  not  without  superior  guidance, 
upon  the  central  heaven.  Such,  indeed,  is  the  right  of  poets,  whose  in- 
terest is  that  of  their  country  ;  whose  gain  is  not  lucre,  but  the  hope  of 
an  honourable  acceptance. 

I  speak  as  if  I  could  myself  take  a  part  in  these  ennobling  labours, 
and  august  contemplations.  But  other  cares  await  me.  I  feel  myself 
dragged  back  once-more  to  darkness,  and  the  Progressionist.  The  de- 
scent to  Avernus  is  said  to  be  easy,  but  I  choose  Homer,  Virgil,  or 
Dante  for  my  guides  and  companions  in  iuch  a  region*. 

Recall  then  for  a  moment  all  that  I  have  advanced.  Consider  and 
estimate  the  temper,  the  conduct,  the   sentiments,    the  scurrility,    and 


[      420      ] 

Avliat  the  penury  of  language  constrains  me  to  call,  the  arguments  of  the 
Progressionist.  He  has  lavished  upon  the  Author  of  the  Pursuits  of  Li- 
terature every  opprobrious  and  brutal  term,  which  even  bis  own  language 
could  supply.  He  has  called  in  sophistry  and  falsehood  to  assist  him  in 
misrepresenting  his  words,  his  actions,  and  his  intentions.  And  now — 
will  you  give  me  credit  when  I  repeat  it? — He  gives  at  last  three  solitary 
lines  to  the  praise  of  a  passage  or  two,  which  it  seems,  are  spirited  and 
eloquent,  in  behalf  of  public  order,  morality,  and  religion.  If  I  had  been 
the  Author  of  the  P.  of  L.  I  would  have  returned  such  impudent  pane- 
gyric upon  his  hands,  with  the  contempt  he  deserves,  and  has  incurred. 
To'lat  sua  7nunera  cerdo.  Let  the  cobbling  donor  take  his  gift  back 
a2:ain.      Pope  is  still  more  to  the  occasion  : 

Of  all  mad  creatures,  if  the  learn'd  are  right, 
It  is  the  slaver  kills,  and  not  the  bite. 

To  conceive.  Sir,  tliat  such  men  can  confer  praise,  is  an  insult  to  any 
understanding.  The  public  do  not  wait  to  discover  what  is  eloquent  and 
spirited,  from  such  wooden  oracles.  The  State  will  acknowledge  its  best 
friends,  and  Literature  its  best  defenders,  without  their  assistance  or 
direction.  Such  men  have  neither  part  nor  lot  in  the  region  of  the  Muses. 
In  the  temple  of  immortality  their  voice  cannot  be  heard.  Even  the 
names  they  would  fain  present  to  the  guardians  of  that  temple,  would  be 
rejected  from  the  unworthiness  of  the  votaries.  The  Swans  would  drop 
their  beaks,  and  the  stream  flow  backward. 

I  would  not  have  stooped  to  notice  this  man,  and  his  Impartial  Bro- 
ther, for  their  own  sakes.  Writers  of  their  description  are  quite  inno- 
cent, when  they  are  quite  angry.  But  there  is  a  respect  due  to  the 
English  Nation,  Avhich  the  Progressionist  terms  "  the  addle-headed 
"  Public"  and  which,  I  maintain,  has  honourably  received  a  work 
dedicated  to  their  service.  If  I  knew  the  names  of  cither  of  these 
writers,  I  would  not  embalm  and  preserve  tl'.?m  in  this  Apology  for  my 
deceased  friend.  The  Progressionist  may  be  suffered  to  sink  in  his  own 
verse  and  prose.  I  would  leave  Sir  Fretful  between  Sneer  and  Dangle. 
But  as  to  the  deliberate  defender  of  Mr.  Lewis's  "Monk"  in  the  face  of 
an  insulted  kingdom,  I  Avould  consign  him  to  the  vindictive  malice  of  the 
Cloyster,  and  all  its  impurity;  or  to  the  more  wretched  drudgery  of  palH- 


[     421      ] 

ating  ribaldry,  and  blasphemy.  Such  are  the  men,  Sir,  who  declare 
themselves  the  enemies  of  the  Poem  on  the  Pursuits  of  Literature.  But 
the  spirit  of  its  departed  Author  may  have  yet  some  consolation. 

Non  ilia  manes  jacuere  favilla. 
Nee  ciiiib  cxiguus  taleni  compescu't  umbram. 

Whoever  indeed  stands  forward  at  such  a  perilous  period  as  the  present, 
with  boldness,  confidence,  and  an  iionest  intention  in  the  public  service, 
with  a  name  or  without  a  name,  known  or  unknown,  is  surely  worthy  of 
some  regard,  and  I  should  think,  of  kindness.  But  when  a  gentleman  (with- 
out (;;ri'  interest,  but  that  of  every  oiher  subject  in  the  country,)  has  devoted 
his  time,  fortune,  and  ability  in  the  hope  of  being  useful,  it  is  but  a 
common  cause  to  rescue  his  memory  from  the  gripe  of  injustice,  and  the 
fangs  of  malignity.  When  he  has  defended  the  triplk  Fortress  of 
Religion,  Morality,  and  Literature,  from  its  foundation  to  the  topniost 
battlements,  must  he  be  left  on  the  field  without  the  common  honours  of  a 
common  soldier?  Because  a  few  trumpery  Poetasters,  half-critics,  jug- 
glers in  science,  or  indecent  Commentators  are  held  forth  and  consigned 
to  ridicule  or  contempt,  as  they  have  respectively  deserved,  must  this 
work  on  the  Pursuits  of  Literature  be  degraded  and  depreciated?  I  trust 
not.  The  Public  will  never  fuffer  such  impotence  and  dulness,  such 
Under-conjurers  and  Journeymen  Astrologers,  the  Sidrophels  and  Wha- 
cums  of  the  day,  to  read  backivards  for  them  the  great  page  of  Literature, 
and  declare  the  interpretation  of  it.  When  the  Sun  is  high  in  the  heaven, 
who  asks  for  subsidiary  light? 

Literature  indeed,  at  this  hour,  can  hardly  be  divided  from  the  prin- 
ciples of  political  safety.  Satire  also  has  a  character,  which  she  was 
never  before  called  upon  to  assume.  Sensum  ceelesti  demlssum  traxit  ab 
arce !  She  must  now  co-operate  with  the  other  guardians,  and  watchful 
powers  of  the  state  in  her  degree. 

Such  AN  UNION  is  now  demanded  of  the  minds,  the  talents,  and 
fortunes,  of  the  souls  and  bodies,  of  all  the  inhabitants  of  Great  Britain, 
as  never  before  entered  into  tlie  hearts  of  Englishmen  to  conceive.  We 
must  be  preserved  from  the  tyranny  and  power  of  France;  from  all  her 
principles,  and  from  all  her  arms,  open  or  concealed,  mental,  moral,  or 
political.     I   have  pride  and  satisfaction  in  seeing,  and  feeling  that  we 


[      422      ] 


are  all  so  convinced.     "\\'e  know  we  must  die,  or  defend  ourselves  from 

THE  MOXSTUOUS  REPUBLIC. 

Instat  terribilis  vivis;   morientibus  hseres  ; 
Nulla  quies:  oritur  prasda  cessante  libido; 
Divitibusque  dies,  et  nox  metuenda  maritis ; 
Emicat  ad  nutum  stiicto  mucrone  minister  1 

If  we  consider  it  from  the  commencement,  it  has  threatened,  devoted, 
and  given  over  all  its  victims  to  desolation,  wretchedness,  plunder,  and 
final  death.     Blood  is  the  cement  of  the  Republic  of  France. 

Some  victims  have  bled  for  principle,  others  for  example,  some  for 
funeral  pomp,  and  some  for  a  civic  feast.  Blood  must  flow.  Each 
Faction  has  delivered  over  its  predecessors  to  death.  The  Priests  of 
Reason  hold  their  rites  in  the  field  of  Mars.  First  indeed,  they  soothe 
awhile  their  savageness  with  song  and  festival.  But  these  are  the  pre- 
ludes of  sanguinary  cruelty;  the  stops  and  pauses  of  their  war-symphonies. 
With  their  laurel  and  cypress  branches  bound  together  and  dipped  in 
blood,  they  advance  to  the  altar,  and  perform  their  abhorred  lustration. 
The  Manes  of  all  that  is  brave,  and  all  that  is  ferocious,  are  invoked  in 
their  democratic  incantations  to  Reason  and  her  Republic. 

Szevis  opus  est,  et  fortibus  umbris; 
Ipsa  facit  manes;  iiominum  mors  omnis  in  usu  es^. 

On  the  blood  of  their  murdered  Monarch  they  have  sworn  hatred  to 
tyranny  ;  and  they  have  established  a  Directory.  On  the  blood  of  inno- 
cence and  virginity  they  have  sworn  to  restore,  and  to  protect  the  female 
dignity;  and  they  have  annulled  the  bond  of  marriage,  and  the  charities 
of  consanguinity.  On  the  blood  of  their  Generals  streaming  on  the  scaf- 
fold, and  on  the  blood  of  armies  partially  devoted  by  other  Generals  in 
the  day  of  battle,  they  have  sworn  to  give  honour,  and  encouragement  to 
the  Defenders  of  the  Republic.  Such  are  their  decrees ;  such  are  their 
oaths  registered  in  blood.  All  is  contradiction  with  them,  yet  all  is  in 
action.  Principles  of  the  moment,  principles  of  reflection,  principles  of 
desolation,  principles  of  safety,  all  have  had  their  hour;  all  have  risen 
and  fallen.  Banishment  and  deportation  have  new  superceded  the  axe  of 
the  guillotine,  and  the  sabre  of  ruffiin  massacre.  How  long? — All 
changes  with  them:  all,  but  the  fixed  lust  of  plunder,  and  aggrandise- 


[      423      ] 

ment,  and  the  rooted  hatred  to  Christian  Religion.  To  every  govern- 
ment, and  to  every  establishment  in  Europe  they  apply  but  one  axiom, 
"whatever  is,  is  wrong!" 

Whoever  strives  to  resist  such  an  adversary,  upon  principle  and  re- 
flection, with  eloquence,  or  wisdom,  or  learning,  in  the  plain  robes  of 
state,  or  in  the  vestments  of  religion  or  law,  with  anns  in  his  grasp,  or 
with  well  directed  opulence,  by  counsel,  by  precept,  or  by  example,  must 
be  numbered  among  the  friends  of  jiak. 

I  am  most  serious  in  my  words,  and  earnest  in  my  thoughts.  I  have 
been  instructed  by  these  great  events,  to  consider  all  actions  as  of  some 
weight,  and  that  nothing  is  nonv  to  be  neglected,  as  wholly  unimportant. 
If  the  efforts  of  the  united  genius,  learning,  poetry,  and  eloquence  of  a 
countr}"^  can  be  directed  with  strength  and  discretion,  in  their  proper  and 
natv.ral  courses,  we  may  yet  have  confidence.  Enterprises  of  gi:eat  pitb 
and  moment  will  succeed,  and  a  righteous  security  may  be  established. 
Consider  for  a  moment  what  is  the  hope  of  bad  men.  The  Orator  of 
Athens  has  declared,  "  Their  hope  of  safety  is  placed  7.v  the  excess 
"  OF  fHEiR  tricKEDNEsss,  AND  iNiQUitr  ALONE."*  The  haunts,  and 
caves,  and  tenements,  and  skulking  huts  of  sophistry,  anarchy,  rebellion, 
democracy,  and  Jacobinism,  will  at  length  be  fully  revealed,  and  finally 
levelled  and  ruined.  When  the  fountains  of  hallowed  fire  are  once  open- 
ed, and  flowing  with  liquid  purity  in  the  silence  of  the  night,  the  objects 
which  darkness  would  conceal,  are  not  only  discovered,  but  destroyed. 

The  force  of  France  is  indeed  formidable;  but  her  Principles, 
wherever  they  take  root,  and  grow,  and  bear,  are  alone  invincible.  If 
we  think  otherwise,  I  fear,  we  deceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not 
ivith  us.  France  invites  every  European  government  to  suicide.  Her 
high  Priest  t  told  her  long  ago,  that  no  Government  could  perish  but  bv 
its  own  hand,  and  by  its  own  consent  to  die.  The  Government  of  Great 
Britain  has  given  no  such  consent.  Her  King,  her  Nobles,  her  Com- 
mons, her  Senators,  her  Statesmen,  her  Lawyers,  her  Artists,  her  Mer- 
chants,  her  Citizens,  her  Peasants,  uU  rjvaintain  and  declare   with  one 

*  £»  rr,  r/,;  vovA^tui  vTsp^oA/]  to  £At<^<«  rr,?  cuTti^ttti  i%it'       Demos- 
thenes Orat.  I.  Contra  Aristogiton.  page  483.  Ed.  Benenati  Gr.  1570. 

t  Voltaire. 


[      424      ] 

voice,  and  with  arms  in  their  hands,  "  Greai"  BriTaw  has  gifen  xh 
"  .SJ7CA/ cojV.SEA-r."  She  has  not  lifted  up  her  arms  against  herself:  she 
is  willing-  and  desirous  to  live.  She  has  humbled  herself  before  God 
the  Judge  of  all,  through  the  Great  Mediator  of  humanity.  She  knows 
her  stren,Lth,  and  has  felt  lier  infirmity  ;  she  is  earnest  for  her  preservation 
from  hej-  foes  within  and  without;  and  having  done  all,  and  still  commit- 
ting herself,  and  her  cause,  to  hibi  who  judgeth  righteously,  She  hopes 
yet  to  stand. 

Whether  the  end  of  all  things  may  be  at  band  ;  and  what  the  decrees 
of  Eternal  Power,  Wisdom,  Justice,  and  Goodness  may  intend  in  the  last 
resort,  we  acknowledge  to  be  inscrutable.  But  we  trust,  it  cannot  be 
deemed  an  unwarrantable  presumption,  to  suggest  or  to  affirm,  that,  if 
the  attributes  of  God  are  true  ;  if  man  Is  bis  creature,  and  governed  by 
his  laws  ;  the  opposers  of  tliis  overbearing,  desolating,  impious,  and  uni- 
versal Tyranny  must  be  justified  before  Hibi.  As  to  us,  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Great  Britain,  if  wc  would  exist  at  all,  we  must  be  preserved  as 
v/E  ARE.  Our  Constitution  is  not  lost;  and  the  ramparts  we  have  raised 
around  it,  will  maintain  it  entire.  Our  liberties  are  supported  equally 
against  arbitrary  power,  and  against  the  engines  of  licentiousness  and 
democracy.  Upon  us  the  destiny  of  Europe,  and  perhaps  of  the  whole 
civilized  world,  ultimately  depends.  It  seems  placed  in  our  hands  :  a 
fearful  and  an  awful  charge. 

Omnia  Fata  laboruiit, 

Si  quidquam   miiiare  wlis ;  unooue   sub  icfc 

Stat  genus  humanum  I 

I  am  sure  words  on  this  subject  cannot  be  thought  out  of  season,  or 
out  of  place,  while  terrors  are  yet  gathering  around  us.  Circumstances 
have  instructed  us  all,  not  to  regard  any  thing  as  common,  which  is  de- 
signed for  the  public  service. 

In  consideration  thercfure  of  the  importance  of  every  5/«!^'7t' elfort,  and 
of  the  tendency  of  individual  zeal  and  labour  in  the  common  cause,  I  have, 
■written  this  letter,  and  nov,'  deliver  it  to  the  public.  T  have  stood  forth 
as  the  apologist  and  defender  of  tlic  principles,  tlie  j'lstice,  tlie  severity, 
and  the  composition  of  the  Poem  and  Notes  on  "  The  Pursuits  of  I.itc- 
"  rature."  My  business  has  been  not  to  produce  wlint  is  excellent  in  the 
work,  but  to  shew  the  futility  and  falsehood  of  the  objections  to  it.      T 


[      425      ] 

know  not  whether  it  called  for  any  defence;  but  it  is  not  unco,mmon  for 
some  persons  to  suffer  themselves  to  be  misled  by  superficial  '-ind  malevo- 
lent writers  and  observers,  wlien  they  have  a  specious  appearance. 

The  numerous  appeals,  in  the  notes  to  "  The  Pursuits  of  laterature," 
to  various  authors  in  languages  not  universally  understood,  or  partially 
studied,  have  diminished  some  portion  of  its  general  effect.  I  have 
designed  to  remove  this  inconvenience  by  the  present  attempt.  If  any 
person  shall  hereafter  be  enabled  to  understand  the  force  of  Grecian  or 
Roman  wisdom  better  than  he  did  before;  or  if  one  English  reader,  and  a 
lover  of  his  countr)',  shall  be  induced  to  peruse  the  work,  who  withou 
this  translation,  would  not  have  attended  to  it  at  all;  I  shall  not  look  upon 
my  labour  as  useless,  or  unrewarded. 

I  have  prefixed  to  the  Title-page  a  few  lines  from  Pindar  of  some 
signification.  You  will  consider  them,  as  if  the  departed  Author  of  the 
Pursuits  of  Literature  did  himself  address  you  by  me.  Tl:e  paraphrase 
and  the  meaning  of  them  in  a  very  extended  sense,  is  this.  "  The  Time 
is  now  arrived,  in  which  all  persons  should  fully  understand  whatever  is  of 
importance  sacred  or  civil.  There  should  be  no  ambiguity ;  all  should 
be  laid  open,  and  justly  comprehended.  Though  without  authority,  and 
in  a  very  private  station,  I  will  consider  myself  in  sc^ne  measure,  as  sent 
forth  in  the  public  service.  I  have  declared,  recommended,  enforced,  and 
appealed  to  the  wisdom,  the  eloquence,  the  doctrines,  and  the  experience 
of  our  forefathers  in  every  age,  and  in  every  country.  I  have  shewn 
■what  is  that  heroic  virtue,  and  dignified  deportment  which  are  required 
of  my  countrymen  in  this  revolutionary  age ;  that  they  consist  not  in 
patience,  but  in  action ;  and  that  the  sword,  the  voice,  and  the  pen  must 
be  united  in  the  common  cause  for  the  common  salvation.  I  will  preserve 
this  integrity  to  the  last:  z  ivill  spejk  The  rnu'TH." 

I  am,  Sec.  Sec.  &:c. 

END  OF   THE  VINDICATION. 


3  H 


TRANSLATIONS 

OF   THE  PASSAGES    FROM   THE 

GREEK,  LATIN,  ITALIAN,  AND  FRENCH  WRITERS, 

qUOTED    IN    THE 

NOTES  AND  PREFACES 

TO 

THE  PURSUITS  OF  LITERATURE, 


I 


\ 


TRANSLATIONS. 


MOTTO  TO  THE  TITLE-PAGE  OF  THE  WORK. 


"  YE,  who  from  your  natural  disposition,  as  well  as  from  your  edu- 
cition,  are  in  all  things  good  and  kindly  affectioned,  moderate,  and  worthy 
of  the  kingdom  which  you  uphold,  be  favourable  to  this  Work." 

AthenagorDE  Athenicnsis  Legatio  Imperatoribus  Anton ino  et  Com- 
modo.  Ad  Jin.  Op.  Justin.  Jfartjr.  edit.  Paris,  16^6.  p.  39. 

PAGE  9. 

"  Through  evil  report  ancl  good  report." 

PAGE  10. 

"  From  his  phraseology,  his  manner  of  speaking,  his  peculiar  diction, 
and  other  circumstances,  I  am  convinced  that  the  whole  work,  or  the 
greater  part  of  it,  is  the  composition  of  Hieronymus  Alexander.  From 
ray  constant,  familiar,  domestic  intercourse  with  him,  I  am  as  intimate- 
ly acquainted  with  his  genius  and  disposition,  as  he  himself  can  be." 
Erasmi  Epist.  370.  c.  1755*  op.  fol.  edit.  opt.  Lugduni. 


MOTTO  TO  THE  INTRODUCTORY  LETTER. 

PAGE  13. 

"  Retired  w  Ithin  the  magical  circle,  he  murmured  words  of  mightiest 
power.     Thrice  he  turned  his  countenance  to  the  East,  and  thrice  to  the 


[      430      ] 

realms  where  the  Sun  declines  :  '  Whence  (he  cries)  is  this  delay  ?     Do 
ye  wait  for  words  more  secret  than  these,  or  of  greater  potency  ?" 

Tasso.  B.   13. 


PASSAGES  IN  THE  INTRODUCTORY  LETTER. 

PAGE  14. 

"  As  to  what  some  persons  may  say  of  me,  let  them  look  to  their  own 
words;  but  nevertheless  they  will  talk."  Cicero  Somn.  Scipionis. 

PAGE  15. 

"  He  is  greedy  of  life,  who  is  not  willing  to  die,  when  the  world  is 
perishing  around  him."  Senec,  Traged. 

PAGE  16. 

"  Destroy  the  insolence,  and  high  language  of  these  heresies,  and 
make  them  of  none  erfect." 

Liturgia  Sancti  Gregorii  Alexand.  Liturg,  Oriental, 
Collect.  V.  I.  p.  107.  Ed.  Paris,  17 16. 

"  The  first  who  strengthened  the  exalted  strains  of  Archilochus, 
with  a  rampart  of  firm  and  solid  words."       Anthol.  p.  393.    Ed.  Brodai. 

"  To  examine  the  excellent  with  the  excellent,  and  compare  their 
several  merits  with  each  other." 

Dion.  Halicarn.  Ep.  ad  Cn.  Pomp.  Epist.  de  Platone.  p.  757. 
sect.  1.  vol.  6.  Ed.  Reiskcj  1777. 

PAGE  17. 

"  I  will  magnify  my  office." 

PAGE  18. 

"  The  compact  and  condensed  power  of  the  understanding." 

Basil.  Archicpisc.  Casarea  Op.  v.  2.  p.  698.  ed.  1618. 

PAGE  19. 

"  If  1  smile  at  the  perfumes  with  which  Rufillus  is  scented,  or  at 
any  similar  piece  of  folly,  must  I  of  necessity  be  stigmatised  as  a  man  of 
an  envious  and  malicious  disposition?"  Hor* 


[     431      ] 

PAGE  21. 

"  If  indeed  you  require  me  to  chuse  a  companion,  how  can  I  forget 
the  divine  Ulysses?  His  heart,  his  affections,  and  his  spirit  are  tried, 
ready,  and  prepared  for  every  enterprise."  Horn,  II.  lo.  v.  242. 

"  The  present  of  the   fatal  branch,   now   seen  again    after    a   long 

period."  ^'rg'  vE«.  6. 

PAGE  22. 

"  I  h<ive  once  spoken  in  this  great  Cause  (prepared  to  repeat  my  words, 
if  required)  with  that  spirit  which  I  am  ever  wont  to  assume,  the  spirit 
of  an  accuser."  Liv.  1.  2.  sect.  61. 

PAGE  23. 

"  The  mouths  of  the  cavern  which  leads  to  cruel  Tartarus." 

Virg.  Mn.  7. 

"  For  my  own  part,  I  can  see  no  danger  to  which  you  are  personally 
exposed,  separate  and  apart  from  tlie  destruction  of  us  all." 

Cic,  Epist.  ad  Fain.  1.  6.  e.  i. 

PAGE  24. 

"  Without  attempting  some  adventurous  flight,  when  I  had  pinions 
to  supporc  me;  that  I  might  present  no  ignoble  example  of  myself." 

Petrarc:  Part  2.  Son.  86. 
"  The  King  and  his  Ministers  might  perhaps  peruse  these  memoirs, 
which  most  assuredly  are  not  the  composition  of  an  uninformed  man." 

Gil  Bias. 

PAGE  25. 

"  Difficulties  of  hard  solution." 

PAGE  26. 

"  Nothing  can  be  more  exalted  than  speculations  like  these  ;  tliey  are 
the  very  heights  of  the  world.  The  great  public  mansion  of  Nature 
herself  b  contained  within  these  boundaries."        jllanil.  Astron.  lib.  1. 

"  These  are  the  vauniings  of  Him  who  fighteth  against  God;  who 
glorleth  in  the   strength   of  his  wickedness;  Mho  threatcneth  uttcrlv  te 


[      432      ] 

destroy  and  confound  tlie  boundaries  of  nations,  (once  delivered  by  The 
Most  High  to  his  angels  and  messengers;)  and  to  make  the  whole 
Earth  one  scene  of  plunder  and  devastation ;  who  boasteth  that  he  will 
shake  all  the  sons  of  men,  and  subvert  and  change  the  state  of  every 
ancient  ordinance,  institution,  and  regular  government." 

Euseb.  Demonst.  Evang.  1.  4.  s.  9. 

PAGE  29. 

"  (It  cannot  be  supposed)  that  speaking  or  writing  in  the  Greek  lan- 
guage, in  preference  to  any  other,  can  have  any  peculiar  efficacy  in  pro- 
moting the  interests  of  true  piety  or  learning." 

Casaub.  Exercit.  16.  ad  AnnaL  Eccles.  Baronii. 

"  His  brow  was  not  brightened  with  cheerfulness;  and  his  counte- 
nance was  dejected."  V'^'i-  -^"'  6. 

PAGE  30. 

"  The  strains  were  harsh;  it  was  the  harmony  of  horror:  shriek^,  and 
groans,  and  lamentations  loud  and  deep,  were  heard  to  agree  in  strangest 
consonance."  Ariosto.  0.  F.  cant.  14. 

"  Awakened,  as  from  slumber,  among  the  spirits  of  the  elect,  where 
the  soul  enjoys  a  more  intimate  communion  with  her  Maker." 

Petrarch. 
"  A  gale  of  odorous  sweets  is  wafted  around,   as  from  meadows  of 
freshness  and  of  choicest  fragrance." 

Dionys,  Halic.  Ep.  ad  C?i.  Pomp.  sect.  2. 

PAGE  31. 

"  The  heads  of  arguments  and  objections  against  certain  persons  of 
morose,  peevish  natures,  and  without  erudition."  Erasmus. 

"  For  it  is  now  high  time  to  offer  some  assistance  from  the  coelestial 
vessel  (called  the  AmpoUa)  to  those  heads,  which  are  either  empty,  or 
scantily  provided  with  sense."  Ariosto  0.  F.  cant.  38. 

"  Hecate,  with  her  triple  head,  a  fatal  and  tremendous  prodigy,  the 
child  of  Tartarus."  Orpk.  Argon,  v.  974. 

"  The  divine  Bellona,  and  the  Tritonian  goddess,  Minerva." 

Lycophren,  v.  519. 


C      431      ] 

PAGE  32. 

"  Beggars,  players,  and  varlets  of  every  description."  Hot: 

"  The  lawful  possession  and  right  of  the  Muses."      Piiid.  Pjth.  1. 

PAGE  33. 

"  Ulysses  stripped  himself  of  his  sordid  garments,  and  leaped  upon  the 
great  threshold  of  the  mansion.  His  bow  and  quiver,  full  of  arrows, 
were  in  his  hand,  and  he  scattered  the  shafts  of  destruction  before  his 
feet."  i/oHz,  Odjs.  22.  v.  i. 

Pause;  and  reflect,  that  a  day  like  this  may  never  dawn  again. 

Dante.)  Paracl. 

PAGE  34. 

'*  Wisdom  herself  can  scarcely  number  seven  persons,  from  among  all 
the  sons  of  men,  whom  she  can  honour  with  such  a  name." 

PAGE  35. 

"  The  virulence  of  the  infection  has  corrupted  and  destroyed  all  that 
is  sound,  beautiful,  and  healthy."  Hor.  Ep.  ad  August. 

PAGE  37. 

"  I  strike -no  feeble  chords  with  an  idle,  unavailing  impulse;  but  hold- 
ing my  residence  by  the  Auruncian  temple,  (where  sleeps  the  spirit  of 
Lucilus)  I  bend  befsre  the  tombs  of  mightiest  masters,  and  raise  my 
\o\ce  with  boldness."  Statii,  Sjlv, 

END  0       rilE   INTRODUCTORY  LETTKR. 


THE  FIRST  DIALOGUE. 

PAGE  39. 


"  Whoever  thou  art,  who  feelest  thyself  inspired  with  the  spirit  of 
the  fearless  Cratiniis ;  who  turnest  pale  over  the  page  of  the  indignant 

-,    T 


[      432      ] 

Eupolls,  and  of  the  venerable,  dignified  master  of  the  sock*;  look  also 
upon  these  my  labours,  if  by  chance  you  should  discover  something 
matured  and  perfected  by  study.  May  my  readers  approach  them  with 
an  ear  purified  with  incense  from  their  altars."  Pers.  Sat.  i. 

PAGE  42. 

"  The  cb.ildish  war  of  Apollo's  quiver."  Statins. 

"  "While  I  am  recording  these  events,  the  fury  of  civil  Discord  hath 
shaken  her  torch  over  the  Tarpeian  rock,  and  kindled  wars  fiercer  than 
those  on  the  plains  of  Phlegra.  Behold,  The  Capitol  is  blazing  with 
sacrilegious  fires,  and  the  Roman  Legions  have  assumed  the  maddening 
spirit  of  the  Gauls."  Stat.  Sjlv.  1.  5.  c.  3. 

PAGE  43. 

"  The  sun  set  ;  but  no  night  ensued." 

PAGE  46. 

"  What  remuneration  can  I  offer  you  for  a  poem  like  this  ?" 

Virg.  Eclog. 

PAGE  47. 

"  The  tales  of  Phillis  and  Hypsipile,  and  all  the  lamentable  stuff  of 
sing-song  poetasters."  Pers.  Sat.  i. 

"  Having  obtained  and  enjoyed  the  sovereignty,  he  closed  his  eyes 
in  the  same  common  sleep  of  mortality."  Lucret.  L.  3. 

PAGE  48. 
"  A  purse  under  a  consumption." 

PAGE  49- 

"  He  will  utter  no  oracular  precepts  but  upon  compulsion." 

Virg.  Georg.  4. 

*  Aristophanes. 


[      433      ] 

"  Whether  a  chlmaera  buzzing  in  a  vacuum,  has  the  power  of  catifig 
up  or  devouring  second  designs,  thoughts,  or  intentions  ?* 

PAGE  50. 

"  He  is  become  insensible  by  long  habits  of  vice,  and  the  heart  of 
the  man  is  waxed  fat  and  gross  ;  he  is  placed  beyond  the  imputation  of 
guilt,  he  has  nothing  to  lose,  and  is  plunged  so  deep,  that  he  cannot  rise 
even  to  bubble  on  the  surface  of  the  stream."  Pers.  Sat.  3. 

PAGE  51. 

*'  Not  into  such  alliances  and  leagues  as  tliese."        V^'fg'  -^n.  4. 

PAGE  S3' 

"  Too  careless  or  too  idle  to  undergo  the  toll  of  writing  ;  I  mean,  of 
writing  well;  for  as  to  the  quantity  of  his  compositions,  it  is  out  of  the 
question."  Horat.  1.  i.  s.  4. 

PAGE  54. 
"  A  mere  word-shop." 

"  A  treatise  on  the  Causes  why  Eloquence  has  been  so  much  cor- 
rupted." 

"  He  abounds  with  luscious  faults."  ^intil.  1.  10.  c.  i. 

PAGE  55. 

"  The  gifts  of  the  muses  are  not  offered  to  every  one  who  passes  by, 
as  common  favours;  they  must  be  sought  after,  and  obtained  with  diffi- 
culty." 

"  The  bellowing  of  the  labyrinth." — N.  B.  Put  for  any  common  to- 
pic of  ordinary  poets  or  writers.  y^^*  ^'^^'  i« 

*  A  Germanic  question  to  ridicule  the  absurdities  of  metaphysics 
run  mad.  See  a  similar  collection  in  the  seventh  chapter  of  the  Memoirs 
of  Martinus  Scriblerus  ;  for  instance  :  "  An  praster  Esse  reale  actualis 
"  Essentiae  sit  allud  esse  necessarium  quo  res  actuallter  existat  ?" — In 
English  thus  :  "  Whether,  besides  the  real  being  of  actual  being,  there 
"  be  any  other  being  necessary  to  cause  a  thing  to  be." 


[      434      ] 

PAGE  56. 

"  Trivulzia,  brought  up  and  nourished  in  tlie  sacred  cavern." 

Aristo  O.  F.  Cant.  46.  st.  4. 

"  That  work  often  afFecied  us,  and  our  cheeks  turned  pale  as  we  were 
reading  it  ;  but  there  was  one  circumstance  which  quite  subdued  us. — 
As  we  were  proceeding,  I  exclaimed,  '  Alas  !  what  softness  of  sentiment, 
'  what  extacy  of  rapture,  conducted  these  wretched  souls  to  the  paths  of 
'  sorrow."  Dante  Inf.  c.  5 

"  He  gives  admonition  to  all,  and  cries  with  a  loud  voice  through 
the  shades  ;  Give  ear  unto  me,  and  be  warned  ;  revere  justice,  and  de- 
spise not  the  power  of  the  Gods."  Virg.  ^n.  6. 

PAGE  59. 

"  The  offices  of  kindness  -Jiwdi fidelity  are  yet  cultivated  among  men: 
some  are  still  to  be  tound  who  will  perform  the  duties  of  friendship  to  the 
departed."  Piiiu  Epist. 

PAGE  60. 

"  Lands,  edifices,  estates,  possessions  of  every  species,  all  have  been 
seized  within  their  grasp;  the  heaven  above,  and  the  sea  excepted,  all 
have  been  declared  public  property,  by  gift,  by  assignment.,  by  auction." 

Cic.  de  Leg.  Agrar.  Or.  3. 

"  If  you  are  in  earnest  for  a  Revolution.,  you  must  begin  by  annihilat- 
ing the  Catholic  religion  in  France."  Mirabeau. 

PAGE  63. 

"  (They  feel)  by  what  prostration  of  soul,  by  what  prayers  and  strong- 
conflicts  of  the  spirit,  even  the  slightest  and  most  imperfect  knowledge  of 
GoD  is  to  be  obtained  !"  Augiistin. 

>■'  The  founder  of  that  denomination  of  worship  was  Christ,  who, 
in  the  reign  of  Tiberius,  suffered  the  punishment  of  death  under  the  Pro- 
curator Pontius  Pilate."  Tacit.  Annul,  1.  15.  s.  44. 

"  There  is  not  one  v.'ho  judgeth  with  true  judgment;  no,  not  one: 
tlieir  trust  is  in  notliing;  they  talk  words  of  vanity;  thev  have  conceived 
mischief,  and  brought  forth  iniquity." 


[      435      ] 

PAGE  64. 

'•■  Go,  Lictor,  and  bind  his  hands."  Liv.  i. 

"  Their  entertainments  are  in  the  Greek  fashion;  and  the  pictured 
emblem  appears  without  a  veil :  you  might  expect  to  see  the  dancing-girls 
(from  the  East)  disiilaying  their  attitudes  before  the  guests."         Juv. 

PAGE  65. 

"  Wisdom  is  first  pure,  then  peaceable." 

"  Would  he  had  always  written  sol"  Juv, 

PAGE  66. 

"  The  smiley  of  a  pretty  girl  are  the  tears  of  the  purse." 

Italian  Proverb. 

"  He  composed  eight  volumes,  not  without  elegance,  but  without 
sufficient  discernment."  Sueton.  Claud.  Sect.  41. 

PAGE  67. 

"  Prepare  your  stoinacb  for  these  delicacies;  and  feast  upon  the  fish 
•which  has  been  preserved  for  your  times."  J^^'^''  ^^t,  4. 

PAGE  68. 

"  A  body  without  a  soul."  Hor. 

PAGE  69. 

"  The  short  span  of  life."  Hor. 

"  Great  efforts  for  great  trifles."  Terent. 

PAGE  70. 

"  How  long  Avill  ye  idly  support  these  sons  of  fire  ?" 

Apidei.  Mat  am.  1.  7. 

PAGE  71. 
<"•  Born  for  nothing  but  to  eat  and  digest." 

PAGE  74. 
"  May  he  re-assume  the  weight  and  dignity  of  the  tragic  buskin." 


[      436      ] 

"  These  subjects,  you  may  say,  are  certainly  pleasant  in  a  Satire,  to  en- 
liven and  amuse  a  reader  who  loves  to  laugh.  But  I  want  the  proof;  let  me 
have  it  in  regular  form.  I  agree  with  you ;  well.  Doctor  answer  me, 
and  take  your  seat  quietly,  as  in  the  schools.     What  is  a  Commentator? 

Boileau^  Sat.  8. 

PAGE  77. 

"  The  manner  is  neither  good  nor  respectable ;  when  the  verses,  or 
the  subjects  of  them,  enter  the  very  marrow,  and  the  effeminate,  lascivi- 
ous accents  provoke  and  irritate  the  inmost  sensations."  Pers.  Sat.  i. 

*'  Such  effusions  of  verse  and  fancy,  as  even  Lycoris  herself  might 
read."  ^^'''g-  -Ec/.  10. 

PAGE  78. 
"  This  was  the  only  point  in  which  Fabricius  was  deficient." 

Juv.  Sat.  4. 
"  All  sea-nettles  provoke  a  certain  degree  of  prurency  by  the  keen- 
ness of  which  they  stir  up  the  still  and  almost  extinct  desire." 

Johnson  Hist.  Nat.  de  Exang.  Ag.  p.  56. 

PAGE  79. 

"  (Minerva)  approved  the  strains  of  the  Muses,  and  their  honest 
indignation."  Ovid.  Metam.  1.  6.  v.  2. 

PAGE  80. 

"  Such  is  the  power  of  insinuating  flattery ;  it  steals  away  the  under- 
standing of  the  best  and  the  wisest.  Horn.  II. 

PAGE  83. 

"The  Dogs  descried  him:  first  rushed  forth  Melampus,  Pampha- 
gus,  and  Dorceus,  and  the  swift-footed  Lycisca,  with  her  brother,  the 
quick-scented  Ichnobates;  and  Asbolus,  black  and  shaggy,  and  the  pow- 
erful Nebrophonos,  Lselaps,  and  the  fierce  Theron,  Labros,  and  Agriodos, 
and  the  shrill-toned  Hylactor,  and  others  which  I  cannot  name.  The 
whole  pack,  eager  for  their  prey,  follow  in  full  cry,  where  the  path  is 
rough  and  difficult,    and   even  where  no   path  at  all  is  to  be  traced. 


C      437      3 

Alas  1  be  flies  from  his  own  attendants.  Fain  would  he  have  cried  out, 
I  AM  AcTiEON;  behold  in  me  your  lord  and  master. — He  wished  to  be 
away  from  them  :  but  in  vain.     He  is  left  in  their  power." 

Ovid  Me  tarn.  1.  3. 

PAGE  84. 
"  Himself  and   his  faithful   attendant."     Or,  "  The  knight  and  his 
squire."  Homer. 

PAGE  86. 

"  My  resolution  is  to  die  in  a  tavern ;  may  wine  be  placed  before 
my  lips  as  I  am  expiring ;  that  the  angelic  choirs,  when  they  appear, 
may  say,  '  Heaven  be  propitious  to  this  jovial  drinker  !" 

Drinking  Song,  by  Walter  de  Mapes,  *  Archdeacon  of  Oxford,  in  the 

nth  century. 

"  Many  were  inclined  to  consider  him  as  a  deep  scholar,  engaged  as 
he  was  with  old-wives'  fables  and  trifles,  and  passing  a  learned  old  age 
among  the  Milesian  Tales  of  his  own  Apuleius,  and  the  child's-play  of 
literature."  Julius  Capitolinus  in  Vita  Clodii  Albini  ad  Const  ant  ium 

Augustum. 

"  Subtle  and  sagacious  in  useful  discoveries."  Hor,  A.  P. 

PAGE  87. 

"  The  towering  head-dress  of  the  Sorceress  Sagana." 

Hor.l.  r.  sat.  8. 

PAGE  88. 

"  Mercy  rejoiceth  against  judgment." 

"  I  would  coofidently  put  it  in  competition  with  any  of  the  ancieats." 

^intil. 

PAGE  89. 

"  Phantoms  of  the  dead,  without  strength  or  substance." 

Horn.  Odys. 

*  Quoted  by  Mr.  Warton,  in  his  second  Dissertation,  prefixed  te 
bis  History  of  English  Poetry. 


C      4-38      ] 

"  See  what  allegations  I  have  made  in  favour  of  Priests  and  Presby- 
ters; and  so  may  every  grateful  Clerh^  with  his  sweet-heart,  say  a  pater- 
noster for  me  and  my  sins!" 

Drinking  Song  (as  above)  by  Walter  de  Mapes^  in  the  nth  century. 

PAGE  90. 

"  If  any  one  presume  to  say,  that  a  Bishop  may  have  his  failings,  let 
him  be  accursed."  Decree  of  the  council  of  Constance. 

"  This  book  *  is  conglutinated,,  or  made  up,  of  as  many  books  as  would 
serve  one  fat  cook  for  fuel,  to  dress  sheep,  oxen,  swine,  pigs,  ducks,  tur- 
keys, and  geese,  without  number;  or  as  many  as  would  be  sufficient  for 
one  High-Dryer  to  heat  a  hundred  stoves."      Epist,  Obscuroruni  Viroriim. 

F.KD   OF  THE   flRST  DIALOGUK. 


THE  SECOND  DIALOGUE. 

PAGE  91. 

"  Yet  untouclied  and  without  a  wound,  1  pass  through  the  thickest 
uf  the  ranks;  and  may  Minerva  lead  me  by  the  hand,  and  defend  me 
from  the  missile  weapons  of  the  enemy."  Horn.  II.  4.  v.  540. 

PAGE  93. 

"  Drawing  forth  the  belt,  and  the  paternal  sword,  burled  deep  under 
the  cliffs  and  rocks  sounding  with  storms,  I  again  take  my  stand  of  ob- 
servation.!" Lycophron.  Cassand,  1321. 

*  /.  e.  The  Notes  on  the  Edition  of  Shakspeare,  by  Johnson  and 
Steevens,  &c.  Sec.  Sec. 

t  This  dark  allusion  of  Lycophron  is  to  a  legend  concerning  Theseus. 
See  Plutarch  in  the  Life  of  'i'heseus.  If  I  recollect  right,  there  is  a  pic- 
ture, in  Lord  Exeter's  collection  at  Burleigh^  on  this  subject. 


[      439      ] 

PAGE  94. 

"  He  shall  regret  it,  and  become  the  burden  of  some  popular  song." 

Hor.  1.  2.  S.  I.  V.  45. 

PAGE  98. 

"  Tearing  in  pieces  their  own  Republic,  we  see  them,  lions  opposed 
to  lions,  relations  to  relations,  madly  and  foolishly  fighting  with  each 
other,  FOR  the  choice  of  tyrants."  Boileau  sat.  8.  v.  132. 

"  The  God  of  battle  kindles  the  flames  of  war  in  the  land,  and  sounds 
the  sanguinary  blast  from  his  trumpet.  l"he  kingdom  all  around  pre- 
sents one  scene  of  devastation,  and  the  fields  are  bristled  with  spears, 
waving  thick  as  the  ears  of  corn.  Lamentations  wafted  through  the 
silent  regions  of  the  air,  are  heard  from  the  pinnacles  of  the  towers,  with 
the  rending  of  veils,  and  the  shrieks  of  women,  waiting  for  misery  upon 
misery,  and  calamity  upon  calamity."  Lycopbron  Cassard.  v.  249. 

PAGE  100. 

"  To  gather  together,  in  the  recesses  of  the  cavern,  a  thick  night, 
palled  in  the  dunnest  smoke  of  hell*,  while  the  darkness  is  mixed  with 
fire  !"  ^^'*'g-  ^n*  8.  v.  254. 

"  Where  error  drives  them  in  endless  deviations  from  the  right 
path."  Hor.  1.  2.  sat.  3. 

PAGE  103. 

"  To  deliver  dogmas  or  sentences  in  vers*,  and  to  rhyme  chapter  by 
chapter."  Boikau.^  s.  8.  v.  116. 

PAGE  105. 

"  He  drinks  from  his  glass  goblet,  shaped  like  a  Priapus." 

Jiiv.  s.  2.  v.  95. 

PAGE  106. 

"  History  is  always  pleasing,  write  it  as  you  will."      Plin.  Epist. 

*  Expressions  from  Shakspeare's  Macbeth. 
3  K 


[      440      ] 

''  But  stlil  it  has  a  value."  Hor,  A,  P. 

"  Little  Cupids  with  little  wings" 

PAGE  109. 

"  All  things  which  are  habitual,  such  as  motions  to  which  we  are  ac- 
customed, are  favourable  to  sleep.     For  a  sailor  you  will  recommend  the 
reclining  on  ship-board,  a  voyage  at  open  sea,  the  sounding  of  the  shore, 
and  the  noise  of  the  winds,  and  the  roaring  of  the  waves,  Sic.  &c.  Sec. 
Aret(Eus^  de  Morbis  Acutis,  c.  i.  p.  7.  Edit.  Boerhaave. 

"  Names  worthy  to  be  inscribed  in  the  choir  of  Apollo." 
*'  That  music,  which  is  felt  internally;    it  is  not  the  ear,  but  the  sdul 
itself,  which  is  affected." 

PAGE  III. 

"  Happy  and  fortunate  in  his  cares  and  engagements  !  For  him  the 
garlands  of  Helicon,  and  the  idle  laurels  which  bloom  on  the  brow  of 
ParnassLis,  have  no  charms  I  But  the  powers  of  his  understanding  are  vi- 
gorous, ;  nd  his  inind,  from  long  experience,  is  bound  up  to  bear  the 
vicissitudes  of  the  world."  Stat.  Sjlv. 

"  In  early  youth  he  devoted  all  the  powers  of  his  illustrious  mind  to 
the  higher  philosophy;  EOt,  as  the  manner  of  some  is,  to  shelter  sloth 
under  the  covert  of  a  splendid  name,  but,  by  a  steady  and  deliberate  firm- 
ness against  the  accidents  of  life,  to  prepare  himself  for  the  administra- 
tion of  the  state."  Tacit.  Hist,  1.  4.  c.  5. 

"  Superior  to  avarice j  of  a  persevering  rectitude  of  principle,  and  un- 
inoved  by  fear."  Tacit,  ib, 

"  Economy  is  a  great  possession."  Cic, 

PAGE  112. 

"  The  frog  of  Maecenas  (1.  e.  his  seal  bearing^  the  figure  of  that 
animal)  was  an  object  of  great  terror,  as  the  instrument  of  levybg 
money."  Pl'-n.  Nat,  Hist.  I.  37.  c.  i. 

"  His  sagacity  was  peculiarly  his  own;  gifted  by  nature  with  intui- 
tive skill,  he  had  moreover  such  promptitude  of  counsel,  as  gave  him  a 


[      441      ] 

decided  superiority  in  advancing  all  that  was  neccssaiy  upon  any  subject, 
and  on  the  spur  of  the  occasion.  Tbucyd.  1.  i.  s.  138. 

PAGE   114. 

"  An  unfinished  thunder-bolt." 

"  Mr.  Burke  himself  has  thus  translated  this  passage  in  part  5,  chap.  5, 
of  his  treatise  on  the  Sublime  and  Beautiful,  as  an  example  that  words 
may  affect  without  raising  distinct  images.  "  Three  rays  of  tivisted 
"  sJboivers,  three  of  watery  clouds^  three  of  fre,  and  three  of  tbe  ivinged 
"  South  wind;  thetif  they  mixed  in  tbe  work,  terrific  lightings,  and  sound, 
"  and  fear,  and  anger^  ivitb  pursuing  fumes,"  Virg.  jEn.  8.  429. 

PAGE  115. 

"  Since  the  teeming  womb  of  Julia  has  produced  so  many  crude 
births,  or  rather  abortions,  which  confess  their  incestuous  sires." 

fuv.  Sat.  2.  V.  32. 

"  V/hile  the  earth  is  burst  asunder  from  its  foundation.-,  and  the  very 
depths  of  Tartarus  disclosed  and  laid  bare  to  view." 

Long,  de  Sub.  sec.  g. 

PAGE   116. 

"  When  shall  they  look  upon  his  like  again  ?"  Hor. 

PAGE  117. 

"  He  has  delivered  down  to  all  posterity,  who  may  enquire  after  them, 
the  monuments  and  records  of  these  transactions.  Young  men  of  cha- 
racter and  abiliiy  will  be  desirous  of  his  company  and  conversation,  and 
will  learn  from  him,  as  from  an  oracular  decision,  the  path  which  it  is 
their  interest,  or  duty,  to  follow.  He  will  instruct  them,  and  will  form 
their  minds.  Like  an  experienced  pilot,  he  will  shew  them  what  is  ne- 
cessary to  direct  and  preserve  the  vessel,  when  the  gale  is  prosperous,  cr 
when  the  storm  is  raging.  He  will  be  led  to  this  by  a  sense  of  duty  and 
of  common  good,  and  even  by  the  pleasure  he  finds  in  the  oiRce  itself." 

^lintH.  1.  12.  c.  xi.  s.  I. 

"  Are  you  about  to  undertake  the  management  of  a  cause  of  great 
importance  ?     First  consult  your  own  self:  say  fairly  and  honestly,  who 


[      442      3 

and  what  you  are;  an  orator  of  power  and  strength,  or  Curtius,  or  Matho. 
Understand  well  the  measure  of  your  eloquence  and  ability." 

Juv.  Sat.  1 1.  V.  32. 

PAGE  118. 

"  I  was  apprehensive  thdt  you,  Aurora,  might  seize  upon  him,  for 
your  own  Cephalus."  O'oid.  Epist.  Sapph,  Pbaoni. 

PAGE  119. 

"  Drops  of  infection  distilling  from  the  moon."  Lucan,  1.  6. 

N.  B.  Shakspeare,  in  his  Macbeth  alludes  to  this  piece  of  ancient 
■witchcraft. 

"  On  the  corner  of  the  moon 
Hangs  a  vaporous  drop  profound  ; 
I'll  catch  it,  ere  it  fall  to  ground." 

PAGE  121. 

"  He  was  the  Scribe,  or  Secretary  of  Nature,  dipping  his  pen  into 
mind."  Suidas. 

PAGE  123. 
"  Will  not  violets  spring  from  the  spot  where  his  manes  repose,  from 
his  tomb  and  favoured  ashes?"  Pers.  Sat.  i.  v.  38. 

PAGE  124- 
"  The  shoots  of  a  wild  fig-tree  are  sufficient  to  burst  them  asunder." 

Juv.  S.  10.  V.  144. 
N.  B.     Juvenal  alludes  to  the  wild  fig-tree  stretching  its  roots  deep 
under  ground,  and  then  shooting  out  with  strength  sufficient  to  break  the 
stones  of  sepulchres. 

PAGE  125. 
"  To  bring  forth  the  matured  birth  in  due  form."  Hor. 

PAGE  126. 

"  Consider,  I  beseech  you,  all  that  1  have  undergone;  have  compas- 
sion on  a  mind  which  has  suffered  most  unworthily."  Vir^*  -^U"  ?•• 


[      443      ] 

PAGE  127. 

"  We  will  preserve  his  name  for  an  example  to  late  posterity." 

Milton  ad  Patrem. 

PAGE  128. 

"  A  Physician  of  consummate  skill ;  generous,  liberal,  not  to  be  cor- 
rupted; a  friend  to  the  poor  and  needy;  a  gentleman  in  principle ;  a  regu- 
lator and  conductor  of  youth ;  a  man  of  sanctity,  justice,  and  piety  ;  whose 
attainments  have  reached  the  utmost  heights  of  erudition." 

PAGE  129. 

"  Plead  then  quite  naked ;  madness  is  less  to  be  censured." 

yuv»  Sat.  2. 

N.  B.  Juvenal  alludes  to  the  indecent  summer  dresses  of  the  Roman 
advocates  in  the  courts  of  law. 

PAGE  130, 
"  I  speak  of  the  love-lorn  Sacripante."  Ariosto.  0.  F.  c.  i. 

PAGE  131. 

(This  note  is  addressed)  "  To  the  intelligent." 

"  I,  poor  Medoro,  in  gratitude  for  the  favourable  reception  I  found 
in  this  place,"  &c.  Sec*  Ariosto.  O.  F.  c.  23.  s.  108. 

"  It  was  written  in  the  Arabic  language,  which  the  noble  Earl  under- 
stood as  well  as  he  did  Latin."  Ariosto.,  0.  F.  ib. 

"  I  cannot  allot  any  more  of  my  verses  to  Ferrau,  or  Sacripante  (or 
even  to  Carlisle;)  the  Prince  of  Anglante  calls  my  attention  from  them; 
kc."  Il>.  Cant.  12.  s.  96. 

PAGE  132. 
"  The  Gods  in  compassion  to  the  race  of  men  f  born  to  toil  and  trou- 
ble, gave  the  Muses,  and  Apollo,  and  Bacchus  as  companions  of  their 
festivals."  Plato  de  Legibiis,  lib.  2. 

*  Part  of  the  inscription  on  the  entrance  of  the  cave  or  grotto,  where 
Angelica  and  Medoro  were  accustomed  to  meet, 
t  Some  manuscripts  read  here,  "  politicians." 


[      444      ] 

N.  B.  These  are  Greek  musical  terms,  and  technical  words,  which 
it  would  be  needless  to  explain,  and  indeed  would  answer  no  purpose.  Dr. 
Burney's  History  of  Music  will,  I  believe,  give  their  explanation  at  large. 

PAGE   136. 

"  O  ye  Gods  of  my  country,  tutelary  Deities  of  Troy,  ye  cannot  surely 
have  resolved  to  extirpate  the  sons  of  Teucer,  since  ye  have  inspired  the 
breasts  of  our  youth  with  such  loyalty  of  zeal,  and  with  such  determined 
bravery."  Vir.  jEn.  9.  v.  247. 

END  OF   THE   SFXOND  DIALOGUE. 


THE  THIRD  DIALOGUE. 

PAGE  139. 

"  The  arrows  rattled  in  his  quiver,  as  he  moved  along  in  all  the 
fierceness  of  his  wrath.  His  march  was  like  the  Night.  He  took  his 
station  at  a  distance  from  the  ships,  and  sent  forth  a  shaft;  and  the 
sounding  of  the  silver  bov/  was  terrible.  His  first  attack  was  on  the 
animals,  the  mules  and  dogs;  but  after  that,  he  smote  the  army 
ITSELF  with  many  a  deadly  arrow,  and  the  funeral  piles  of  the  slain 
blazed  freq^uent  through  the  camp."  Horn.  II.  1. 

PAGE  141. 

"  I  present  these  considerations  as  the  result  of  accurate  and  solemn 
investigation;  they  are  offered  in  behalf  of  you  all;  in  the  cause  of 
Truth,  your  Constitution,  and  your  Laws ;  for  your  common  Salvation, 
your  Religion,  your  Honour,  and  your  Liberty." 

Deinostbenes,  Ilipf  Enpxvis. 

PAGE  142. 

"  Look  upon  '  the  great  Vision  *  of  that  guarded  mount,'  see  what 
a  po'.ver  holds  his  watchful  residence  on  the  summit  of  the  clifF,  a  power 
able  to  overtluow  you  from  your  foundations!" 

Callimacbus,  Hymn,  ad  Delum,  v  125. 

*  An  expression  adapted  from  the  Lycidas  of  Milton, 


C      445      3 

N.  B.  The  poet  is  speaking  of  Mars  personified  on  the  highest  moun- 
tain of  Delos. 

"  Ramparts,  and  walls  of  stone  may  be  shaken  and  fall  at  the  blast  of 
Strymonian  Boreas;  but  thk  God  is  immoveable!  Sucli  is  the  power 
who  surrounds  and  protects  thee,  O  my  beloved  Delos." 

Ca'lim.  lb.  v.  25. 

PAGE  143. 

"  A  Region,  long  the  subject  of  speculation  and  wonder  to  all  the 
surrounding  nations;  a  kingdom  which  abounds  in  every  production  which 
is  valuable,  and  which  is  defended  by  the  internal.^  consolidated  strength 
of  her  own  natives ;  yet  she  appears  to  have  possessed  no  greater  object  of 
love  and  veneration,  or  more  illustrious  than  this  man." 

Lucrtt,  I.  I.  V.  728. 

"  The  Alpine  mountain,  whence  Pelorus  is  torn." 

Dante  Purgat.  c.  14. 

"  These  subjects  he  saw  by  the  power  of  his  mind;  he  comprehend- 
ed them  by  his  understanding ;  and  by  his  eloquence  he  cast  a  brightness 
upon  them."  Paterculus  concerning  Cicero, 

PAGE  145. 

"  It  was  a  storm  of  accursed  quality  ;  of  rain,  cold,  heavy,  and  fre- 
quent, with  hail-stones  and  sleet,  and  thick  discoloured  snow,  pouring 
down  in  torrents  through  the  darkened  regions  of  the  air." 

Dante  Inf.  c.  6. 

"  Thou  sleepest  the  sleep  of  death  !  But  we  are  not  unmindful  of 
thee,  O  Achilles  ;  in  life  and  in  death  thou  art  equally  the  object  of  our 
regard  and  veneration."  Horn,  II. 

PAGE  146. 

"  1  record  the  praises  of  Corinth,  a  state  mild  to  its  own  citizens, 
hospitable  to  strangers,  famed  for  opulence,  the  sacred  residence  of  Nep- 
tune, whose  youth  are  renowned  for  courage  and  ability.  There  dwells 
Eunomia,  the  goddess  of  well-ordered  governments,  and  ber  sisters. 
Justice,  the  unshaken  basis  of  every  state,  and  Peace,  of  like  manners ; 


[      446      ] 

the  dispensers  and  arbiters  of  wealth,  the  golden  daughters  of  Themis, 
whose  counsel  never  deceives.  Tt  is  their  wish  and  purpose  to  chase 
away  injury,  the  bold-tongued  parent  oF  satiety  and  insolence. 

Here  too  the  Muse  breathes  out  her  sweetest,  softest  inspirations  ; 
and  Mars  himself  flourishes  anew  in  the  prowess  of  her  youthful  heroes." 

Find.  Olymp.  O.  13. 

"  Shall  I  not  rouse  myself  at  such  a  call,  and  attack  them  ?  Shall  I 
not  hold  up  the  torch  of  Satire  to  works  like  these  ?"     Ju°0'  Sat.  i.  5 1. 

PAGE   147. 

"  Not  to  be  interested,  or  take  any  part  in  the  welfare  of  a  State, 
which  never  allowed  them  to  share  any  advantage." 

Dion.  Halicarn.  1.  5.  64. 

PAGE  148. 

"  The  Romans  were  nothing  humbled,  as  might  have  been  expected, 
engaged  as  they  were  in  an  arduous  war,  and  deserted  by  all  their  Allies. 
But  on  the  contrary  with  a  firm  reliance  on  their  internal  powers  alone, 
they  rushed  forward  to  the  contest  with  still  greater  alacrity,  and  with  a 
courage,  inspired  by  danger  and  necessity.  They  were  bold  and  confi- 
dent of  their  ability  (under  the  guidance  of  good  counsel)  to  carry  on 
the  war  with  effect  by  their  own  native  courage  and  virtues,  without  any 
to  participate  their  glory  and  success." 

Dion.  Halicarn.  Rom.  Hist.  1.  5.  s.  62. 

"  To  pierce  with  the  sword  the  inmost  concealments  of  the  Greeks." 

Virg.  JKn,  2. 

PAGE  149. 

"  Suffer  not  your  spirit  to  be  subdued  by  misfortunes;  but  on  the 
contrary,  steer  right  onward,  with  a  courage  greater  than  your  fate  seems 
to  allow."  Virg.  jEn.  6. 

PAGE  151. 

"  The  fame  of  some  vain  pretenders  to  poetry,  has  been  noised  about 
Greece^  to  the  disgrace  of  a  learned  and  distinguished  art." 

Atbetwi  Dcipnosopbist.  1.  14.  p.  617.  Ed.  Casaub. 


[      447      ] 

PAGE  153. 

"  Communication  to  the  author  of  the  P.  of  L.  by  Monsieur  Peltier, 
editor  of  "•  The  Picture  of  Paris,  See.  &c." 

"  Place  of  Translation. 

"  John  Nor  bury,  Doctor  in  Divinity,  Canon  and  Fellow  of  Eton 
"  College.     Aged  sixTr-Eicnr years. 

"  Stephen  Wkston,  Bachelor  in  Divinity;  an  Abbe,  a  Traveller, 
"  and  a  maker  of  verses  ;  formerly  Rector  of  a  parish.  Aged  riFtr 
"  years. 

*'  Charles  Coote,*  Doctor  in  Divinity,  a  Dean  in  Ireland.  Aged 
"  rirrr-rwo years^  according  to  the  Register. 

"  Edward  Tew,  Bachelor  in  Divinity,  Canon  and  Fellow  o,f  Eton 
"  College.     Aged  Piprr-SEVEN  years. 

"  Guillotined  after  the  Greek  fashion,  i^t/j  of 
"  Floreal ;  ^th  day  of  the  Decade,  1796." 
Extract  from  the  Register  of  The  Literart  Guillotine. 

N.  B.  They  ascended  the  scaffold  with  great  resolution;  at  a  quarter 
past  t,.i:  in  the  morning  their  heads  fell. 


*  P.  S.  "I  have  received  a  letter  from  Monsieur  Peltier,  for  whom 
I  entertain  the  highest  consideration,  who  has  informed  me,  that  there  is 
a  little  mistake  concerning  Dr.  Coote,  the  celebrated  translator.  He 
says,  that  Dr.  Coote  was  not  an  Irish  Dean  (and  consequently  a  great 
Theologian)  but  a  Doctor  in  the  Civil  Law  in  England,  deeply  versed  in 
the  Greek  Grammar.  Mr.  Peltier,  with  a  zeal  for  truth  of  the  most  edi- 
fying nature,  and  with  great  devotion  of  mind,  has  requested  me  to  cor- 
rect the  Register,  and  the  Poetry  in  this  particular  ;  and  has  also  signified 
to  me,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.Nares,  a  very  amiable  author  in  his  way,  and 
editor  of  the  periodical  work  called  The  British  Critic,  was  very  eager 
and  solicitous  on  the  same  account.  Unfortunately,  it  is  wholly  out  of 
my  power  ;  and  I  returned  an  answer  with  great  frankness  ;  "  My  dear 
"  Peltier,  when  once  a  doctor'*  head  is  off,  what  can  be  done  ?"  (Nov. 
I797-) 

3  L 


[      448      3 

"  Extract  from  the  Report  made  to  the  Council  of  Anciknts, 
by  the  Executive  Minister  of  Literary  Justice." 

"  Begin,  ye  Sicilian  Muses,  begin  the  strain  of  woe." 

Moscbil  Epitaph,  in  Bion. 

PAGE   154. 

"  I  find  in  Elmsley,  the  bookseller,  an  adviser  of  much  wisdom, 
knowledge,  and  discretion."  Mr.  Gibbon  to  Mr.  Dejverdun. 

Letters  Miscel.  Works,  vol.  2.  4to.  p.  596. 

PAGE   156. 

"  An  oath  is  not  sublime  of  itself;  but  the  place,  the  manner,  the 
occasion,  and  the  circumstance  of  introducing  it,  make  it  so." 

Longin.  de  Sub/,  sect.  16. 

PAGE  158. 

"  Into  all  the  meandrings  of  verbal  obliquity." 

Ljcopb.  Cassand.  v.  14. 

"  If  a  courtezan  wears  ornaments  of  gold,  let  them  be  confiscated,  or 

ht  her  person  be  public."* 

"  From  his  writings  I  discovered  him  to  be  a  man  of  a  glowing  genius, 
extensive  reading,  and  comprehensive  memory;  but  in  general  more  copi- 
ous, than  choice ;  and  his  style  and  phraseology  rather  confused,  than 
clear  and  chastised."  Erasmi  Ep.  1248. 

PAGE  159. 

"  The  Cyprian  verses  are  not  marlced  with  the  accent  on  the  ante- 
penukima."  Pbotii  Bibliotb.  p.  984.  edit.  1653. 

PAGE  160. 
'*  Let   them    rather  present  us  with   the   features  of  his  mind  than 
of  his  body."  Tacit.  Vit.  Agric. 

*  The  construction  depends  upon  the  mode  of  placing  the  accent  on 
word  S^uotrix. 


\ 


[      449      ] 

"If  your  Cook's  irame  is  Mystyllus^  why  may  I  not  call  him  also 
T'arat'alla."*  Mart.  Ep.  1.  i 

PAGE   162. 

"  Not  of  absolute  right,  but  only  t  usufructuary." 
"  That  they  may  revisit  the  superior  regions,  and  again  manifest  an 
inclination  to  return  to  their  corporeal,  visible  forms."  !^        ^^^^g'  -^n*  6. 

PAGE  163. 

"  Take  this  reward  as  a  prize,  thou  venerable  old  maji.,  and  preserve 
it  for  a  memorial  of  thy  skill."  Hum.  II.  22. 

"  Once  under  more  favourable  expectations." 

PAGE  164. 

"  I  present  the  illustrious  youth  with  this  distinguished  mark  of  mv 
regard,  and  of  his  merit."  ^'"""^«  ^n*  5- 

''  When  I  became  a  man,  I  put  away  childish  things." 


PAGE 


':>• 


"  In  this  manner  we  may  attempt  to  fill  up  the  measure  of  Grecian 
literature."  Hor. 

"  What?  when  the  hair  is  absolutely  grey  with  years— do  you  ask  me 
to  overlook  such  folly ? — No;  no;  no."  Fers.  Sat. 

PAGE  169. 

"  The  spirit  feeds  it  within;  and  the  soul,  by  infusion  into  every 
member,    agitates  .the  mass,    and  blends  itself  intimately   with    the 

WHOLE   BODY."  ^'"g-  ■^"'  6. 

*  The  words  Mystyllus  and  T'arat'alla,  are  a  play  upon  two  Greek 
words,  which  cannot  be  explained  in  English. 

t  Term  in  the  Roman  law. 

\  This  was  an  Eton  allusion  to  Dr.  Norbury's  series  of  old  clothes, 
re-appearing,  after  having  been  locked  up  for  many  montlis.  It  is  hardly 
possible  to  translate  the  spirit  of  it  in  English. 


[     450     ] 

"  Anchises  finished  his  speech,  and  led  his  son  jEneas  and  the  Sibyll 
into  the  midst  of  the  Convention,  and  the  buzzing  crowd.  He  then  chose 
a  rising  ground,  that  he  might  observe  the  whole  company  as  they  came 
successively  in  review  before  him,  and  mark  with  discrimination  their 
countenances,  as  they  passed  by."  ^^^g'  -^n.  6. 

PAGE  170. 
"  They  do  what  they  will  with  our  whole  body."       y^'O.  Sat.  13. 

PAGE  171. 

"  They  swear  by  the  light  of  the  sun,  and  by  the  thunder-bolts  of 
their  Tarpeian  Jove;  by  every  instrument  of  warfare  in  the  celestial 
regions."  yuv.  Sat.  13. 

''  I  received  them  outcasts  from  their  own  coasts,  in  exile,  and  in 
poverty;  and  in  an  hour  of  madness,  folly,  or  inconsiderateness,  I  almost 
incorporated  them  in  the  kingdom."  ^^"'g'  -'En.  4. 

PAGE  175. 

"  Through  this  thresl"iold  the  Conqueror  Alcides  himself  passed. 

Virg.  M,n.8. 

PAGE  176. 

"  The  haven,  as  it  were,  and  the  sabbath  of  all  the  contemplations  of 

man."  Bacon  de  Aiigm.  Sclent,  ap.  init.  1.  3. 

PAGE  177. 
"  Render  yourself  wotthy  of  the  Deity."  Virg.  iEn.  8. 

PAGE  180. 
"  He  prunes  his  own  vineyards."  Hor.  Ep.  ad.  Aug. 

PAGE  1 84. 

"  The  whole  body  and  frame  of  Nature  is  thus  thrown  into  confusiqn 
and  disturbance,  and  the  position  of  every  principle  is  made  to  change  its 
place."  Liicret.  1,  4.  v.  67©. 

PAGE  186. 
"  Being  in  an  agony  he  prayed  more  earnestly." 


[    ^^^    3 

"  with  the  unceasing  perpetual  notes  and  commentaries  of  Doctor 
Gujllotir.c." 

"  In  my  opinion,  the  whole  of  their  systems  present  to  us  nothing  but 
the  gross  darlaiess  of  ignorance,  and  the  blackness  of  deceit,  with  errors 
wide  Hnd  intinite;  mere  fancies,  and  crude  conceptions,  and  ignorance 
which  sets  all  compreiiension  at  defiance,  I  have  therefore  submitted  to 
examine  them,  from  a  desire  to  point  out  the  contradictions  which  prevail 
ia  their  writings,  and  to  shew  that  they  lead  into  discussions  incapable 
either  of  limit  or  of  definition;  and  further  to  convince  you,  that  the  end 
and  result  of  them  all  is  unsatisfactory,  and  productive  ai  no  advantage 
whatsoever;  without  any  support  from  matter  of  fact,  or  from  the  evidence 
of  reason."  Hermix  Atxa-vfuci  fsive  Irrisio)  ruv  i^u)  ^i>^o<7o^uv.—Sub 
fin.  Ed.  Paris:  Justin.  Martjris  Op.  1636. 
PAGE  187. 

"  A  man  of  supreme  eminence." 

"  The  honeyed  globules  of  language."^ 

Petron.  Arbit.  Satyr  icon.  c.  i. 

"  It  is  far  easier  to  comprehend  the  doctrine  of  the  rising  and  setting 
of  the  stars,  than  to  understand  these  strange  contortions  and  eccentrici- 
ties of  speech."  Cic;  de  Fato,  Sec.  8. 

PAGE   1 88. 
"  Holding  lights  in  their  hands,  and  trilling  out  melodies  and  verses 
between  ancient  and  modern."*  Aristopb.  Vespa,  v.  219. 

"  The  matter  is  all  safe;  he  actually  is  setting  up  for  a  philosopher; 
pray  Avhat  was  his  name  I  f  a  strange  one." 

Plant.  Captiv.  A.  2.  S.  2. 

"  It  was  suitable  to  the  majesty  of  Neptune,  that  the  offspring  of  his 
godship  should  acquire  a  more  ample  form,  the  time  of  his  gestation  being 
protracted."        >■  Aid.  Gell.  lib.  3.  c.  16. 

*  It  is  impossible  to  render  the  original  Greek  word  in  English,  which 
is  compounded  ludicrously.  An  explanation  could  serve  no  pui-pose  what- 
soever. 

t  The  name  in  the  original  Latin  cannot  be  translated  with  any  effect, 
tor  the  reason  given  in  the  last  remark  on  Aristophanes. 


[     452     ] 

"  For  the  embraces  of  the  immortals  are  not  ineffectual."       Horn. 

PAGE   189. 

"  In  rich  and  good  soils  they  thin  and  lop  the  corn  while  it  is  growing, 
to  prevent  its  being  rank  and  luxuriant," 

Theophrast.  Hist.  Plant.  1.  8.  c.  7. 

PAGE  190. 

"  He  became  celebrated  for  an  affected  style,  and  ambitious  wordiness, 
without  any  advantage  whatsoever  to  the  state." 

Tacit,  Ann.  1.  4.  s.  20. 

PAGE  194. 
"  Let  merit  ever  here  obtain  its  rev^ard."  Virg.  jEn.  i. 

PAGE  196. 

"  The  whole  Pierian  choir  and  the  Roman  Phoebus  himself  answer 
for  him."  Sulpicix  Sat.  v.  ult. 

PAGE  198. 

"  To  him  every  Muse  is  propitious,  and  Apollo  claims  him  for  his 
own."  Vida.  A.  P.\.  i.  v.  327. 

PAGE  199. 

"  Those  regions  where  Aurora  has  fixed  her  palace,   and  holds  her 
festal  solemnities,  and  whence  the  sun  himself  "  begins  his  state."* 

Horn.  Odj's.  1.  12.  v.  3. 

END   OF   THE   THIRD   DIALOGUE. 


THE  FOURTH  DIALOGUE. 

PAGE  201. 

"  Neptune,  who  shakes  the  earth,  was  not  idle  in  his  observation,  as 
he  was  seated  on  the  loftiest  summit  of  the  wood-crowned  Samos,  lost  in 

*  An  expression  from  the  Allegro  of  Milton. 


[      453      ] 

wonder  at  the  contest  and  the  Nvar.  From  that  eminence  appeared  all  Ida, 
with  the  city  of  Priam,  and  the  ships  et'  the  Grecians.  He  then  descerded 
from  the  craggy  mountain.  Three  sieps  he  advanced  in  his  march,  and 
at  the  fourth  he  reached  his  destination  at  ^gae;  where  his  imjoeria 
palace,  emblazed  with  gold  and  gems,  was  erected  in  the  depths  of  the 
abyss,  unperishable,  enduring  forever."  Horn.  II.  v.  lo 

PAGE  203. 

"  His  shade,  which  had  left  us  for  a  season,  is  now  on  his  return."* 

Dante.  Inf.  c.  4. 

PAGE  205. 

"  O  ye  chiefs  of  the  land,  does  this  require  a  censor  to  punish  it,  or 
an  augur  to  explain'  the  prodigy?  Do  ye  call  for  the  arm  of  the  law,  or 
the  lustration  of  religion? 

PAGE  207. 
In  this  cnr  country  we  have  our  religious  rites,  and  the  sepulchres  of 
our  forefathers.  Here  we  enjoy  the  freedom  of  intercourse,  society,  and 
conYersation ;  the  blessings  of  lawful  marriage,  relations,  and  children, 
and  the  charities  of  life.  All  these  we  enjoy  in  common  with  you;  and 
from  these  obligations  v.'e  hold  ourselves  worthy  of  your  trust  and  confi- 
-dence."  JEscbines  de  Falsa  Legatione^  sect,  i  r. 

PAGE  208. 
"  But  ye,  who  boast  yourself  of  Trojan  ancestiy,  find  excuses  for 
one  another  ;  and  such  actions,  as  would  disgrace  the  meanest  mechanic, 
are  esteemed  honourable  in  men  of  rank  and  dignity." 

Juv.  Sat.  8,  V.  181. 

PAGE  210. 
"  He  seem.s  to  be  confined  and  shut  up  as  in  a  kind  of  workhouse." 

PAGE  211. 
"  Men  indeed  of  eminence  and  of  high  attainments." 

*  Dante  is  speaking  of  the  shade  of  Virgil  in  the  Irtferno. 


[      454      ] 

"  1x1  rny  opinion  a  competent  judge,  and  tor  t!n.i  reason  ;  he  was 
accustomed  to  hear  him  speak  often,  and  he  did  not  publish  his  sentiments 
on  his  works  till  the  orator  himself  was  no  more.  From  this  circum- 
stance there  is  no  reason  to  think  that  he  has  gone  beyond  the  truth  from 
the  partiality  of  friendship."  Cicero,  de  Clar.  Orat.  sect.  15. 

PAGE  212. 

"  For  this  is  the  tribute  which  we  pay  to  the  departed.  Horn. 

PAGE  213. 

"  Thus  with  slow  and  wandering  steps  we  passed  through  tbe  palpa- 
ble obscure,  tliiough  the  solid  temperament  of  darkness,  mixed  with 
drizzling  rain.     Our  talk  was  of  the  life  to  come." 

Dante  Inf.  cant.  6. 

"  The  mind  busied  and  beset  with  (political)  considerations,  finds  but 
few  intervals  for  the  polite  literature."         Dial,  de  Oratorib.  sec.  29. 

PAGE  214. 

"  Bodies  are  slow  of  growth,  but  their  dissolution  is  rapid." 

Tacit,  Fit.  Agric.  sub  init, 

"  My  presence  gave  cheerfulness  to  the  minister."     (Colbert)*. 

Boileau  Ep.  10. 

PAGE  215. 

"  The  aged  tree  casts  a  shadow  with  its  trunk,  not  with  its  foliage." 

Lucan.  1.  i. 

"  To  manage  metaphors  with  discretion,  is  the  mark  of  a  just  and 
comprehensive  mind."  Aristoi. 

"  The  metaphors  which  are  drawn  from  analogy,  generally  meet  with 
the  greatest  approbation."  Aristjt.  Rhetor.  1.  3.  c.  10.  sect.  3. 


*  Boileau  is  speaking  of  the  great  Colbert  and  those  who  honoured 
him  with  their  friendship.  Surh  times  are  now  passed  forever  in 
France,  and  perhaps  in  Eijo-Jund. 


[     455      ] 

PAGE  216. 

"  T^sy  endeavour  to  impute  to  them  the  charge  of  being  enemies 
to  the  people.  Some  were  destroyed  from  private  malice,  and  otb.ers 
because  they  were  the  creditors  of  their  murderers." 

Thucyd.  1.  3.  5.  81. 

"  The  chiefs  of  the  factions  had  each  of  them  a  specious  name  and 
pretext.  Some  held  forth  a  political  equality  among  the  citizens,  and 
some  a  plan  of  a  more  temperate  aristocracy.  Their  speeches  had  a 
reference  to  the  common  prize  of  contest,  power  and  sovereignty  ;  and 
every  art  was  used  by  the  antagonists  to  defeat  each  other.  Having  ob- 
tained their  ends,  either  by  unjust  sentences,  or  by  acts  of  violence,  they 
were  prepared  to  fill  up  the  measure  of  their  crimes  and  iniquity." 

Tbucjd.  1.  3.  sect.  82. 

PAGE  217. 

"  The  rage  after  desires  hard  to  be  attained,  is  increased  by  the  diffi- 
culty." Find.  Nein.  Od.  11. 

"  The  shades  of  the  happy  spirits  in  Elysium  had  a  gloom  on  their 
appearance.  I  saw  the  Decii,  the  parent  and  the  son,  souls  which  might 
well  expiate  the  guilt  of  war  ;  and  Camlllus  himself  in  tears.  Cataline 
stands  in  frantic  exultation  with  his  chains  burst  and  broken  asunder, 
and  by  him  the  Maril,  terrible  of  aspect,  and  the  bare,  naked  Cethegi. 
I  saw  the  Drusi,  names  of  popular  celebrity,  Tribunes  extravagant  in 
their  proposals  of  laws  and  decrees;  and  the  Gracchi,  gigantic  in  their 
enterprises.  Bound  in  the  dungeons  of  Pluto,  they  rattled  their  adanidU- 
tine  iron  chains  in  sign  of  applause;  and  the  guilty  inhabitants  of  Tar- 
tarus seemed  to  claim  for  themselves  the  mansions  of  the  just  and  good." 

Lucan.  Pharsal.  1.  6.  v.  784. 

PAGE  219. 

"  To  create  all  things  anew  in  that  state  ;  to  make  new  offices  of  go- 
vernment with  new  names,  with  new  authority,  with  new  men;  to  make 
the  poor  rich;  to  dismantle  ancient  cities  ;  to  transport  the  Inhabitants  of 
one  place  to  another ;  and  briefly,  to  leave  no  one  thing  or  condition  of 
life  untouched,  and  not  to  suffer  the  existence  of  any  one  species  of  rank, 

3  M 


[      456      ] 

or  order,  or  state,  or  possession,  without  an  acknowledgment  of  tour 
having  granted  it,  and  that  the  occupier  holds  it  of  you." 

Machiavel  Discorsi,  1.  i.e.  6. 

PAGE    220. 

"  Except  in  the  case  of  a  Gallic  war."  Lex  cle  Vacationer 

The  law  concerning  exemptions  from  military  service. 

"  Moreover  the  country  itself,  from  its  vicinity  and  the  ancient  re- 
nown and  valour  of  the  Gauls,  was  an  object  of  considerable  terror  to  the 
Romans  who  were  about  to  undertake  a  war  so  near  home,  ;;nd  upon  their 
own  borders.  In  particular,  as  the  Gauls  had  once  taken  their  city.  Oh 
this  account  they  made  a  special  law,  that  the  priests  should  enjoy  an  ex- 
emption from  all  military  service,  except  in  the  case  of  a  Gallic  war. 
The  very  preparation  itself  proved  the  nature  of  their  apprehension.  For 
it  is  not  recorded,  that  the  Romans  ever  had  so  many  mjricds  in  arms  at 
one  time,  either  before  or  since  that  period." 

Puitarcb,  Fit,  Jlurcelli,  p.  244,  vol.  2.  Ed.  Bryan* 

PAGE  221. 

"  He  poured  no  libation  from  this  cup,  to  any  of  the  gods,  save  to 
Jove  alone."  Ho}n.  II.  6.  c.  227. 

"  There  is  not  a  man,  worthy  of  bt-ing  a  Roman  citizen,  who  would 
think  of  availing  himself  of  any  indulgence,  or  exemption  from  service, 
in  the  tim.e  of  a  Gallic  war,  according  to  the  laws  and  customs  of  our 
ancestors." 

N.  B.  The  object  of  that  oration  of  Cicero  was  to  inculcate  this 
doctrine:  "  Gallis  fidem  non  habendam,  hominibus  levibus,  perfidis,  et 
"  in  ipsos  Deos  immortales  impiis:  i.e.  "That  no  trust  or  confidence 
"  whatsoever  should  be  placed  in  the  Gauls,  a  nation  fickle,  perfidious, 
•'  without  faith,  and  impious  against  the  Gods  themselves. 

Cicero  pro  Fonteio,  Sect.  1 6.  sub  fni. 

<'  A  voice  from  the  interior  shrine,  worthy  of  the  temple." 

PAGE  224. 
"  The  thunder-bolt  rages  against  its  own  temples,  and  without  any 
matter  to  obstruct  it,  both  in  its  fall  and  in  its  return,  spreads  devastation 
far  and  -.vide,  and  collects  again  its  scattered  Rres."  Litcan.  1.  i. 


[     457     ] 

PAGE  225. 

"  In  words  Tike  these  the  Sibyll  utters  her  tremendous  oracles  of  dubi- 
ous import,  and  sounds  them  forth  from  the  cavern,  blenduig  truth  with 
obscurity."  T/r^.  iE,n.  6. 

"  The  avenger  of  Europe  dedicates  these  lofty  trophies  to  the  Genius 
of  Britain  1"  Inscription  at  Blenheim  Palace, 

PAGE  226. 
"  He  looked  to  that  which  is  eternal  and  incorruptible."         Plato. 

PAGE  227. 
"  All  the  company  of  the  stars  hide  themselves,  and  the  constellations 
pass  away  without  a  name."  Manil.  Astron.  1.  i.  477. 

PAGE  228. 
"  He  was  an  experienced  warrior,  and  his  nature  inclined  him  to 
military  pursuits.  But  as  to  the  other  habits  of  his  life,  he  was  temperate 
and  collected,  of  a  philanthropic  disposition,  and  so  attached  to  Greek 
literature  and  Greek  writing,  as  to  make  the  professors  of  them  the 
objects  of  his  praise,  and  even  of  his  veneration." 

Plutarch^  Fit.  Marcelli.  p.  242,  vol.  2.  Edit.  Bryan. 

PAGE  230. 

"  They  yield  to  the  first  notes  of  the  enchanter,  and  tremble  to  wait 
for  the  second  invocation."  Lucan.  1.  6.  v.  527. 

PAGE  231. 
"  That  funereal  dirge,  that  strain  which  appeases  the  minor  shades." 

Stat.  Tbeb.  1.  6.  v.  123. 

PAGE  233. 
"  He  could  not  rest;  but  nourished,  as  he  was,  with  the  laurel  of 
Apollo,  poured  forth  his  oracular  strains."       Ljcophron^  Cassand.  v.  3. 

PAGE   235. 
"  He  sustained  the  attacks  of  the  Clmbri,  and  met  tlie  last  extremi- 
ties of  the  state,  and  by  his  single  prowess  supported  the  city  in  all  its 
terrors."  J^''-'*  •S'i^f*  8.  v.  249. 


[      458      ] 

PAGE  236. 

"  Such  a  man,  taking  all  these  things  into  his  consideration,  living 
in  quietness  and  tranquillity,  (like  one  who  takes  shelter  when  the  storm 
is  raging,)  occupied  wholly  in  his  own  concerns,  and  seeing-  the  world 
around  him  filled  with  all  manner  of  iniquity,  is  contented  to  pass  the 
time  of  his  sojourning  here  in  peace;  pure  himself  from  all  unrighteous- 
ness and  the  works  of  unl.oliness,  and  with  cilm  confidence  expects  his 
dismission  and  departure  in  all  the  fullness  of  hope." 

Plato  de  Eepubiica,  1.  6.  p.  496,  Op.  vol.  2.  Edit.  Serrani, 

PAGE  239. 

"  These  were  only  the  sportive  fancies  of  a  poetical  pen,  not  the 
serious  opmions  of  a  catholic  mind." 

PAGE  240. 

"  The  Romans  had  also  their  allegories  upon  the  double  sun  in  its  suc- 
cession at  different  times  of  the  year.  They  applied  them  to  their  Remus 
and  Romulus.  The  names  are  allegorical,  and  all  of  them  relate  to  the 
year.  Mr.  Gebelin's  Primitive  World  analyzed  and  compared  with  the 

modern^  Vol.  4.  p.  264. 
"  They  changed  the  festival  of  the  Lemures  into  RemMxcs." 

Ib.^.  263. 
*'  We  have  seen  in  the  preceding  chapter  that  Romulus  was  the 
sun;  that  every  argument /jrotJeJ  it  1"  lb. 

"  The  name  of  his  mother,  that  of  his  father,  his  brother,  the  death 
of  his  brother  (Remus,)  his  own  name,"  Sec.  ®;  E.  D.  lb. 

"  What  the  Greeks  meant  to  express  by  the  Apotheosis  of  Hercules, 
the  Romans  expressed  by  the  Apotheosis  of  their  Romulus."  lb. 

"  Quirinus  (a  name  of  Romulus,)  being  the  literal  translation  oi  Mel- 
carthe^  or  Melicerta^  among  the  Tyrians,  is  another  proof,  that 
they  considered  Romulus  as  the  sun."  Gebelin,  lb.  p.  269. 

PAGE  241. 
"  The  wild  speculations  of  learned  men." 


[     459     ] 

PAGE  242. 

"  If  you  regard  the  captive  nations,  bt-hold  the  Molossi,  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Thessaly,  and  Macedonia,  the  Bruttians  and  those  of  Apulia;  if 
you  consider  the  splendid  ornaments  of  other  countries,  look  at  the  gold, 
the  purple,  the  statues,  the  pictures,  and  all  the  luxuries  of  Tarentum." 

Fiori  Hist.  1.  I.  c.  18. 

PAGE  243. 

"  He  attempts  to  express  the  language  which  nature  has  denied  him." 

Prolog,  ad  Pcrs,  Sat, 

"  What?  attack  poor  Chapelain?  ah,  no;  he  is  such  a  very  good  sort 
of  man.  To  be  sure,  if  he  had  taken  my  advice,  he  never  would  have 
made  vers-s.  He  absolutely  exhausts  and  kills  himself  ivitb  rbyming. 
Why  does  he  not  write  prose? — Tnls  is  what  the  world  in  general  says  of 
lum ;  and  do  I  say  any  thing  else  ?  Boileuu  Sat.  g. 


PAGE 


244' 


"  If  1  indulge  myself  in   a  smile  at  such  trifling  follies,   must  I   of 
necessity  be  an  envious  and  malicious  tempered  man  ?    Surely  not."  Hor. 
"  An  offering  worthy  of  Apollo.*  Hor.  Ep.  ad  August. 

PAGE  245. 

"  A  mere  critic,  whose  whole  business  is  to  torture,  hack,  and  abuse 
•without  mercy,  every  book  of  every  description ;  to  stab,  or  reduce  with  his 
pen,  all  commas,  syllables,  points,  words,  and  sentences  ;  will  not  such  a 
man  withold  his  unrelenting  talons,  from  attempting  to  destroy  the  good 
•rder  and  government  of  such  a  kingdom  as  this  ?" 

Or  at.  P.  Burmanni  Lugd.  Bat.  1720. 

"  The  principal  feather  of  the  vainglorious  bird  is  plucked  and  fallen." 

Aristoph.  Acharri.  sub  Jin, 

*  Horace  is  speaking  of  the  Palatine  library,  erected  at  Rome  bv 
Augustus. 


[      460      ] 

PAGE  249. 

"  The  vf^ry  form,  substance  and  image  of  poetry  in  all  its  brightness." 
Prodi  Comment,  in  Tiohmixv  Platonis,  p.  403.  Edit.  fol. 

Basil,  1534. 
"  When  feelin^j  the  power  of  enthusiasm,  and  fully  subdued  by  the 
influence  of  the  Muses,  he  calls  forth  into  action  all  the  primal,  original, 
and  divine  energies  of  poetry."  Frocl,  lit  sup. 

"  The  enthusiasm  of  poets,  when  it  is  roused  and  set  in  motion,  and 
communicates  the  impulse  to  others  ;  when  it  receives  its  fulness  from 
above,  and  diffuses  to  all  around  the  light  imparted  from  heaven." 

Prodi  Coinment.  tit  sup  in  r^m  l^ix;  rvn  no<!5T*x))s.   p.  401. 

PAGE  250. 

"  I  CrtU  upon  the  Muses  to  send  forth  their  united  voices,  full  and 
symphonious,  in  all  the  varied  power  of  harmony;  such  as  they  are 
recorded  to  have  celebrated  in  choral  bands  at  the  tomb  of  Achilles,  in 
Homeric  strains  and  immortal  Inspiration.  Let  us  therefore,  the  sacred 
Pierian  choir,  join  and  breathe  in  one  all  the  fulness  of  the  song;  and  I, 
Apollo  with  the  clustering  locks,  seated  in  the  midst  of  you,  will  myself 
preside."  Porpbjr,  in  Vita  Plotini;  Oper,  Plotin:  Ed,  Ficini, 

Basil.  MDxxc. 

"  The  disposition  of  your  son  has  a  strong  impulse  to  learning  and  the 
sciences."  MarceUini  Vit.  Tbiicyd.  p.  8.  Edit.  Hudsoni  Oxon. 

"  If  you  are  desirous  to  read  and  study  works  like  these,  you  must  be 
free  from  the  cares  and  anxieties  of  business,  that  your  mind  may  be  at 
full  liberty  to  comprehend  the  force*  of  poetry.  As  to  myself,  though  I 
was  produced  on  the  very  mountain  of  the  Muses,  where  the  consecrated 
Mnemosyne,  with  her  nine  offspring,  bore  to  Jove  the  whole  choir  of  the 
arts:  though  I  was  born  in  their  very  school;  though  I  have  obliterated 
from  my  soul  the  very  traces  of  the  love  of  money  and  possessions ;  though 
I  have  adopted  and  exercised  the  profession,  against  even  the  appearance 
of  success;  yet  it  is  with  reluctance  that  I  am  received  and  enrolled  in  the 
assembly.     I  may  be  told,  I  have  undertaken  a  work  of  weight  and  dig- 


[     461      ] 

Kity:  but,  allied  as  I  am  to  all  the  literature  of  Greece,  wliy,  from  indo- 
lence and  sloth,  should  I  abandon  the  honour  of  my  native  country?" 

PitsJriis.  1.  3.  Prolog. 
PAGE  251. 

"  I  wander  not  through  the  Aonian  grove  with  the  steps  of  a  stranger; 
nor  are  my  brows  now,  for  the  first  time,  encircled  with  the  fillets  of  the 
Muses."  Stat.  Achill.  1.  i.  v.  to. 

PAGE  252. 
"  Alas!  I  have  never  visited  that  abode  of  enchantment,  those  scenes 
of  beauty  and  delight,  where  Virgil  hath  so  often  sung.  But  1  swear  by 
the  poet  and  his  sublime  strains,  I  will  visit  them  ;  I  will  pass  the  summits 
of  the  Apennines;  I  will  repair  thither,  full  of  his  great  name,  full  of  his 
consecrated  verses,  and  repeat  them  among  the  very  Gcenes  themselves 
which  inspired  the  bard."  De  Lisle.     Les  Jardins.  L.  i. 

PAGE  255. 
"  And,  if  any  opinion  of  mine  is  worthy  of  attention,  I  will  give  it 
freely  in  his  favour."  Hor.  Od. 

PAGE  256. 

"  In  this  manner  did  ^Eneas  place  the  gems  of  honour  in  the  very 
front  of  the  scabbard."  y^''*  '^'•^' 

"  Like  Stentor,  with  a  heart  of  courage,  and  a  voice  of  brass,  whose 
speech  was  equal  to  that  o'i  Jifty  men  united."  Horn. 

PAGE  257. 
"  Let  otiiers  celebrate  in  song  the  charms  of  many  a  neighbouring 
Venus,  and  the  dances  where  the  Graces  preside  ;  it  is  our  province  to 
record  the  austere  doctrines  and  decrees  of  truth.    The  chords  of  our  lyre 
sound  in  deeper  and  more  solemn  tones." 

PAGE  258. 
"  Hov/  is  the  branch  of  Apollo's  own  laurel  shaken!  how  is  the 
whole  temple  convulsed  !   Hence,   avaunt,  ye   profane.     Apollo  himseli 
approaches;  and  the  sound  of  his  steps  in  the  thresliold  is  propitious!" 

Cell,  Hvvu  ad  ApoL 


[     462     ] 

*'  A  bouse-nvife  doctor,  or  schoolmaster."  .7"^*  '^^''  7* 

PAGE  259. 

"  O  ye  gifts  of  the  gods  not  yet  fully  understood!  All-hail,  Fruga- 
lity, thou  guardian  and  friend  of  virtue  and  modesty;  thou  curb  of  luxu- 
ry, and  tutelar  genius  of  life  itself  1"  Prudentitis. 

PAGE  260. 

"  Being,  as  I  thought,  in  possession  of  the  vantage  ground,  with  tlic 
opportunity  of  cutting  up  by  the  roots,  or  of  curbing  the  headstrong  im- 
petuosity of  youth,  I  was  earnest  in  my  endeavour,  and  exerted  every 
faculty  of  my  courage  and  understanding,  not  from  dislike  or  hatred,  ta 
any  one,  but  from  an  honest  hope  of  correcting  the  errors,  and  healing  the 
disorders  of  the  state.     The  Republic  is  sorely  smitten  and  afflicted  1" 

Cic.  Epist.  ad  Attic.  \,  i.  Ep:  18. 

"  Hail  to  thee,  Eton,  Thou  great  nursing  mother  of  learning  and  of 
men!" 

PAGE  261. 

"  Learning  is  struck  dumb  with  apprehension." 
"  An  academy  of  Arcadians  and  Italian  Buffos  or  comedians." 
"  I  have  leisure,  without  prejudice  or  partiality,  to  drop  a  tear  on  the 
degenerate  race  and  kindred  of  Newton." 

PAGE  1162. 

"  Achilles  stands  astonished  as  he  first  breathes  that  air.  He  asks, 
what  places  are  these?  what  waves  he  hears?  where  is  his  beloved  Pelion? 
he  finds  all  things  either  overthrown' and  altered,  or  strange  to  his  view; 
and  he  even  hesitates  to  acknowledge  his  own  mother." 

St  at.  Achill.  t.  I. 

PAGE  263. 

•■'  A  chosen  generation,  a  peculiar  people,  a  royal  priesthood." 
"  The  scenes  of  Thebes  are  not  far  off;  and  the  gulf  of  darkness  is 
yawning  before  us."  Stat.  Theb.  I.  6. 


[      463      ] 

PAGE  266 

"  Who  confers  the  tribute  of  reward  on  Enceladus  and  the  learned 
Palamon,  in  proportion  to  the  labours  and  fatigue  of  public  instruction?" 

Juv.  Sat.  7. 

PAGE  267 

"  The  word  "  state  "  (or  condition  of  life)  is  derived  from  "  to  stand" 
because  when  a  man  is  in  possession  of  07ie  good  prebend,  nve  say,  be  stands 
%vell  in  the  world.*"  Epistola  Obscurorum.  Virorum. 

"  You  remember  our  friend  Marescottus  used  to  say,  that  he  was  in- 
debted to  our  sacred  art  (of  medicine)  for  three  things,  which  he  never 
should  have  enjoyed,  if  he  had  taken  upon  him  the  order  of  priesthood, 
as  his  parents  proposed  to  him.  The  advantages  were  these :  a  strong- 
athletic  habit  of  body  to  his  eighty-second  year ;  a  hundred  thousand 
pjur.di;  and  an  intimate  acquaintance  and  friendship  with  men  of  rank 
and  eminence."  Sammarthani  Elogia^  p.  83,  et  84. 

PAGE  268. 

"  The  priest  is  invited,  but  not  to  an  equality  in  the  glasses." 

"  My  Lord,  himself  drinks  of  the  most  costly  vintage  matured  by  year-: 
and  good  keeping."  y^^* 

"  It  is  a  certain  fact,  that  Pope  Paul  the  Fourth,  who  was  a  man 
of  a  great  mind,  and  of  immeasurable  thoughts  and  designs,  was  convin- 
ced, that  he  could  hi:.iself  rectify  all  the  disorders  of  the  state,  by  his 
pontifical  authority  alone.  He  never  conceived  the  necessity  of  having 
recourse  to  any  prince  in  these  affairs.  It  was  his  custom,  never  even  to 
converse  with  the  ambassadors,  without  thundering  in  their  ears,  that  he 
himself  was  above  all  Princes  and  Potentates;  that  he  would  not  suffer 
any  one  of  them  to  live  in  habits  of  familiarity  with  him  ;  that  he  could 
change  and  dispose  of  kingdoms  ;  that  he  was  the  direct  successor  of 
HIM,  who  had  cast  down  and  deposed  kings  and  emperors." 

Sarpi  Istor.  di  Condi  Trident,  lib.  5. 


*  The  Latin  words  are  ludicrous. 
;  N 


[      464      ] 

PAGE  269. 

"  Wlierever  tlie  Pope  resides,  there  is  Rome !  forever  and  ever,  till 
time  shall  be  no  more !" 

PAGE  271. 

"  In  the  year  1544,  the  Merindollani  and  the  Caprarians,  Sec.  the 
poor  existing  remnant  of  the  Albigenses,  presented  to  Francis  the  First, 
King  of  France,  the  following  Confession  of  Faith,  which  they  had  receiv- 
ed by  uninterrupted  tradition  from  their  ancestors  from  the  year  of  Christ, 
1200,"  &cc.  Sandii  Histar.  Ecclesiast.  p.  425. 

"  From  one  single  offence,  learn  the  nature  of  them  all."     Vir.  Kt\. 

"  In  imitation  of  the  oracular  voice  of  the  obscure  Sphinx." 

Ljcopbron,  Cassandra,v.  7. 

PAGE  273. 

"  Hail  to  thee,  in  awful  concealment,  and  conscious  pride  ;  great  is 
the  shadow  of  thy  name!"  Stat.  Sylv.  1.  2.  Carm.  7. 

N.  B.  Junius's  motto  to  his  Letters  is,  "  Stat  nominis  umbra,"  Lucan. 
"  There  is  only  the  shadow  of  the  name.''' 

PAGE  274. 
"  Stand  firm  upon  the  old  paths." 

PAGE  275. 
"  Why  are  they  not  all  so?" 

PAGE  276. 

"  Who  will  be  eager  to  appropriate  to  himself  what  is  generally  ex- 
pressed?" 

"  Who  will  make  himself  known  out  of  season,  and  without  neces- 
sity ?" 

"  Why  do  they  glory  in  the  title  of  Doctor^  but  to  instruct  and  teach 
others?"  Erasml Epist.  ad  Cardinalem  Lovanhim.   1520. 

PAGE  278. 
"  The  epistle  was  written  from  Rome,  when  Paul  stood  before  Caesar 
Nero  for  the  second  time." 


[      465      ] 

PAGE  279. 

"  He  gave  it  in  strict  chartre  to  the  iEdlles,  not  to  suffer  any  Roman 
■who  wore  the  toga  or  gown,  to  remain  in  the  forum,  except  he  laid  aside 
the  Lacerna*  or  P^nula."  Siieton.  Oct..v.  cap.  40. 

♦'  When  the  pxnula,  or  cloak,  was  dripping  with  the  rain." 

Jitv.  Sat.  5. 

PAGE  280. 

"  In  an  indissoluble  connection  and  agreement  acccording  to  the  rules 
of  the  best  reason."  P.at.  Timxi  Locri.  de  anima  mundi  Plat.  Op. 

Edit.  Serrani.  vol.  3,  p.  95. 

PAGE  281. 

"  O  ye  old  fellows,  who  feel  that  you  have  need  of  a  wife,"  &c.  See. 

Opera.  School  for  Husbands. 

"  When  the  genial  breeze  of  Favonius  begins  to  blow,  the  atberial 
race  first  declare  the  power  of  thy  impulse,  thou  goddess  of  soft 
desire,"  &c.  Sec.  LucretA.  i. 

PAGE  282. 

"  The  account  of  the  injurious  transaction  is  rather  long,  and  the  par- 
ticulars of  it  tedious."  Virg.  jEn.  i. 

"  Hail,  fortunate  and  favoured  people,  whose  temples  and  palaces  are 
rising  again  under  such  auspices  I' — Such  were  the  words  of  ^Eneas,  as  he 
•was  surveying  the  pinnacles  of  the  city."  Vi^g-  -^n-  i- 

PAGE  284. 

"  A  man  who  reflects  honour  on  his  distinguished  situation,  and  opu- 
lent fortune;  of  an  erect  and  independent  spirit."  Claudian. 
"    A  coal  instead  of  a  treasure."  Proverb. 


*  The  Lacerna  was  a  garment  worn  over  the  toga  or  gown,  in  bad 
weather;  but  chiefly  on  a  journey.  The  old  Scholiast  on  the  firft  satire 
of  Persius,  v.  68,  calls  the  Lacerna  and  Psnula  both,  Pallia.  The  pal- 
lium was  a  long  open  manteau. 


[      466      ] 

PAGE  285. 

"  Let  us  pour  forth  our  libations  to  the  Ocean."  f^'*'g' 

"  Too  expensive  for  a  private  man's  purse."  ^w- 

"  Whence  is  that  look,  paler  than  a  stock-holder  at  the  sight  of  a 

decree,  which   cuts  off  a  quarter  of  his  income?     Who,  or  what,  has 

plunged  you  so  deeply  in  chagrine  and  melancholy?      Is  there  any  edict 

in  fovce  for  the  reformation  of  the  kitchen?  Boileau^  Sat.  3. 

"  Be  advised,  my  son;  choose  what  is  useful ;  lay  aside  all  yoyr  books 
and  your  studies.  Be  conversant  in  these  sublime  sciences;  fling  away 
your  Plato,  and  take  this  Guide  to  the  knowledge  of  finance." 

Boileauy  Sat.  8. 

PAGE  286. 

"  Opening  his  triple  throat  raging  with  hunger."  ^'fg-  -^n*  6. 

"  May  he  take  leave  of  life,  as  a  guest  satisfied  with  his  entertain- 
ment." Hor. 

PAGE  287. 

"  They  send  forth  a  sound,  loud  and  deep  as  the  Nile,  when  he 
deafens  the  neighbouring  shores  with  all  his  cataracts." 

ylriosto,  0.  F.  1.  16. 

PAGE  288. 

"  Better  be  a  mechanic,  a  builder,  a  mason,  if  such  is  your  talent, 
a  workman  of  character  in  some  necessary  art  or  trade,  th?n  an  ordinary 
writer,  or  a  common  maker  of  verses,"  Boileau,  A.  P.  ch.  4. 

PAGE  289. 

"  By  divisions  of  subjects,  and  heads  of  sections,  to  dogmatize  ia 
verse,  and  rhyme  chapter  by  chapter."  Boileau,  Sat.  8. 

PAGE  290. 

"  These  are  the  archetypes,  the  exemplars  of  your  soft  and  delicate 
life ;  these  are  the  shameful  and  scandalous  tenets  of  yonr  theology ; 
these  are  the  doctrines  of  your  fornicating  gods. — As  to  pictures  or  ima- 


[       467      ] 

ges;  you  have  the  little  figures  of  Pan,  and  naked  girls,  and  obscene  pro- 
trusions in  forms  gross  and  palpable.  Your  very  ears  are  impure  ;  your  eyes 
have  committed  fornication ;  your  countenance  is  adulterous.  Shame  1 
shame !  ye  have  done  violence  to  the  nature  of  man,'  and  by  your  cor- 
ruptions ye  have  debased  all  that  is  divine  in  his  composition. 

Clement^  Alexandrini  Atyoq  TrforpiTFrncoi,  seu  Admonitio  ad  Gentcs^ 

p.  30,  Sec.   Edit.  1 6 16. 

*'  I  think  this  circumstance  fully  sufficient  to  mark  the  morals  of  the 
man.  This  alone  clearly  displays  the  nature  of  the  affections  and  pas- 
sions of  his  mind.  For  when  a  man  stands  in  no  awe  of  the  disgrace 
■which  attends  bad  actions,  and  has  no  concern  for  his  character,  there  is 
no  way  of  transgression  in  which  that  man  may  not  walk.  With  a  coun- 
tenance clothed  in  shamelessness  and  audacity,  he  easily  and  naturally 
proceeds  from  one  bad  action  to  the  most  profiig^ace  attempts." 

Procopii.  Histor.  Arcan.  lib.  9.  p.  46.  Ed.  fol.  Liigduni  162;. 

PAGE  292. 

"  May  it  pass  into  an  example." 

PAGE  295. 

"  (He  does  this,)  because  he  has  no  other  object  to  engage  his  atten- 
tion ;  since  he  is  cut  off  from  every  mode  of  action,  and  cannot  display 
any  other  courage  and  ability  Cat  present)  in  more  arduous  enterprises." 

PAGE  296. 

"  Would  to  heaven  he  had  given  up  to  trifles  like  these,  all  the  times 
he  devoted  to  savage  and  cruel  purposes."  J^'^'  ^'^^'  5* 

PAGE  297. 

"  Wrought  up  to  a  high  pitch  of  fury." 

"  A  melancholy  office !  after  the  manner  of  their  ancestors,  they  held 
the  lighted  torch  to  the  funeral  pile,  and  turned  aside  their  faces." 

Virg'  jEn.  6. 

"  The  tongue  is  a  fire  ;  a  world  of  iniquity  :  it  defileth  the  whole 
body,  setteth  on  fire  the  course  of  nature,  and  is  set  on  fire  of  hell ;  it  is 
an  unruly  evil;  full  of  deadly  poison." 


[      463      ] 

*'  A  conversation  and  behaviour  honest  before  men. — The  msckncss 
and  mildness  of  wisdom." 

PAGE  298. 

"  Endeavouring  to  secure  his  own  existf  nee  and  the  return  of  his 
companions;  hut  in  vain.  He  could  not  secure  his  friends,  however  anx- 
ious for  their  support."  Jdom.  Odys.  1.  i. 

"  Since  he  had  brought  the  sacred  citadel  of  Troy  to  destruction." 

Horn.  Od.  1.  I.  V.  2. 

"  He  took  away  at  once  the  power  of  the  Senate.  As  the  measures 
were  proceeding,  the  words  of  Gracchus  received  still  stronger  confirma- 
tion,— The  whole  strength  and  power  of  the  government  narrowly  esca- 
ped an  utter  subversion." 

Appian.  de  Bella  CivUi.  1.  i.  p.  363.  Ed.  Stepb.  1592. 

PAGE  299. 

"  (He  said)  the  citizens  were  under  a  mistake,  if  they  thought  the 
Senate  had  now  any  weight  in  the  constitution." 

Cicero  Orat.  proSext.  c.  12. 

"  They  stand  in  silent  astonishment;  and  wait  for  the  fall  of  the  yet 
dubious  thunderbolt."  Stat.    Theb.\.  10. 

PAGE  300. 

"  How  willingly  do  I  receive  and  acknowledge  thee,  thou  bravest, 
boldest  of  the  Trojans  !  with  what  pleasure  do  I  call  to  my  remembrance 
the  words,  the  voice,  and  the  spirit  of  the  great  Anchises!" 

Virg.  Kn.  8. 
"  I  wandered  from  my  own  home,  without  a  blush  for  my  folly." 

Hor; 

PAGE  301. 

"  Let  us  change  shields,  and  adapt  the  devices  of  the  Greeks  to  our 
own."  Virg.  vEn.  2. 


[      469      ] 

PAGE  303. 

"  A  celestial  animal^  having  nothing-  of  pride  or'vanity  in  its  nature, 
sent  down  immediately  from  heaven  for  the  preservation  and  guardian^ 
ship  of  men  below."  Themistii  Orat.  1.  p.  3.  Ed.  Fol.  Harduini. 

"  In  Greece,  which  ever  was  ambitious  of  the  sovereignty  in  elo- 
quence, and  particularly  in  Athens,  the  parent  of  every  science,  in  which 
the  highest  power  and  strength  of  speech  was  first  cultivated  and  brought 
to  perfection  ;"  (no  peroration  was  ever  permitted.) 

"  The  custom  of  the  city  precluded  him  from  the  use  of  the  perora- 
tion." ^lintil.  lib.  10.  c.  i. 

On  which  Turnebus  thus  comments: 
"  It  was  not  permitted  to  attempt  to  move  the  passions  ;  and  they 
denied  an  orator  the  epilogus  or  peroration." 

PAGE  304. 
"  If  the  city,  O  Athenians,  were  indeed  confessedly  composed  of 
slaves,  things  made  over  and  bought,  and  not  of  men  who  consider  them- 
selves worthy  of  the  rule  and  governance  over  others,  ye  would  scarcely 
have  endured  the  affronts  and  insulting  language  of  this  man;  which  he 
is  daily  pouring  forth  in  the  market  place,  in  the  assemblies,  in  the  very 
tribunal  itself;  stigmatizing  men  better  than  himself,  and  far  higher  de- 
scended, as  poltroons,  and  slaves,  and  the  sons  of  slaves." 
Demost.  Orat.  Karx  AvofOTiMvo^,  Gr.  Edit.  Benenat.  1570.  p.  398. 

PAGE  305. 

"  Let  iELolus  swagger  in  his  own  hall  I' 

"  Oh  heavy  report !  to  whom  is  the  em.pire  of  the  ocean,  and  the  un- 
relenting trident  noiv  consigned  1"  Virg. 

"  The  crimes  of  the  land  are  wafted  with  impunity  on  the  sea:  from 
the  time  when  the  ship,  loaded  with  the  plunder  of  Jason,  first  disturbed 
the  rights,  the  repose,  and  the  majesty  of  the  ocean  1" 

Stat.  Acbill.  1.  I. 

PAGE  306. 

"  The  war-cry  of  the  Roman  legions  rushing  to  conquest,  and  the 
shouts  of  the  seditious,  surounded  v/ith  fire  and  sword,  were  heard  aloud. 


[      470      ] 

There  was  no  mercy  for  age ;  nor  could  dignity  find  any  respect.  Wasted 
and  gaunt  with  famine,  they  bellowed  forth  their  groans  and  lamentations. 
All  the  Persea  and  the  neighbouring  hills  resounded,  and  made  the  tone 
deeper  and  deeper.  The  calamities  and  sufferings  were  more  formidable 
than  the  tumult  itself." 

PAGE  307. 

"  The  composition  and  Avords  are  so  sublime,  and  the  sentiments  so 
■weighty  and  full  of  matter.  The  whole  body  of  the  narration  is  dramatic, 
and  abounding  with  action."  Longin.  de  Subl'nn.  sect.  9. 

"  The  age  and  completion  of  all  things  is  gone  backward:  we  will 
mark  our  late  dissolution  and  death  with  honour  and  renown!  our  death 
shall  be  delayed,  and  not  without  honour."  Statius. 

PAGE  308. 

"They  take  orders  from  them  without  being  conscious  of  it." 
"  Behold  Crispinus  again:    I  must  often  call  upon  him,  a  monster 
Avhosc  faults  are  not  compensated  by  a  single  excellence."      ^wt).  Sat,  4. 

"  If  h'lS  limbs  liad  not  yielded  so  quickly  to  the  stroke,  he  might  have 
deserved  a  second  thunderbolt."  Stat.  Tbeb.  1.  lo. 

PAGE  314. 

'•  He  toils  and  labours  with  a  desire  of  uniting  reason  with  madness." 

PAGE  315. 

"  (He  opens)  his  large  bundle  of  clothes,  ^re^n  and  red;  his  suits  of 
clothes  all  oFone  colour,  and  his  second-hand  velvet  suits  a  little  faded. ' 

Gil  Bias. 

'*  You  are  very  fortanate  in  having  applied  to  mk,  in  preference  to 
any  other  person.  Heaven  be  praised,  I  carry  on  my  profession  in  a  plain, 
honest  manner.  I  am  the  only  ohl-clotbes-riian  who  has  any  morality  about 
him."  Gil  Bias. 

"  We.  shall  now  have  a  criterion  to  distinguish  this  bian  from  all 
other  living  beings,  and  be  enabled  thoroughly  and  distinctly  to  under- 
stand the  whole  of  him."     Scxt.  Empirici.  Institut.  Pjrrbon.  1.  2.  c.  5. 


C     471     ] 

PAGE  316. 

"  Who  spite  of  all  his  piety  certainly  is  not  an  author  with  impunity, 
(or  without  paying  for  it,)  and  who  has  the  satisfaction  of  reclaiming 
women  of  dissipation,  and  of  preserving  spouses,  shaken  by  seducing 
lovers,  firm  to  their  duty.  But  it  cannot  be  said,  that  all  his  homilies^  and 
his  works,  are  equally  strong  and  delicate.  Gil  Bias. 

"  To  have  with  him  a  man  (like  myself)  who  knows  something  of  li- 
terature, and  writes  a  good  hand,  to  make  a  fair  copy  of  bis  homilies." 
"  He  had  nothing  in  the  tenements."  Law  Latin. 

PAGE  317. 

"  The  most  sacred  Doctor  Gregorius  who  bedewed,  and  even  inebri- 
atedj  the  church  with  the  honey-heavy  dew  of  his  preaching." 

jobannes  Salisburiensis. 

PAGE  318. 

"  In  truth  it  is  a  great  capriccio  (or  whimsical  fancy;)  but  in  this  he 
keeps  up  to  his  own  style." 

PAGE  320. 

"  And  when  the  pride  of  Babylon  was  to  be  humbled  and  despoiled  of 
Ausonian  trophies;  when  the  unappeased  spirit  of  Crassus  was  rangmg 
for  revenge;  they  engaged  in  contests  which  never  would  admit  of  a 
triumph." 

PAGE  321. 

"  Pan  would  acknowledge  himself  vanquished,  even  by  the  decision 
«f  Arcadia."  ^'^S'  ^'^'' 

"  I  address  this  observation  to  those  who  do  not  understand  me." 

PAGE  323. 
"  He  seems  rather  insolent  and  flushed." 

PAGE  325. 
"  Rushing  upon  them  with  her  whole  force." 

3  O 


C      472      ] 

"  O  Venus,  thou  sovereign  goddess,  visit  those  tciupies  where  IVartoii 
und  Stecve7js  call  upon  thee  in  pious  sacrifice." 

"  We  who  cultivate  the  muses  of  a  more  chastized  spirit,  cannot 
indulge  ourselves  in  such  licentious  freedom  of  speech."  JIartia!. 

PAGE  327 

"  All  Etruria  rose  up  together  with  just  resentment,  and  with  instant 
arms  demanded  that  the  king  should  be  brought  to  *  Punishmtnt." 

FIrg.  JE.n.  S.  394. 

PAGE  328. 

"  Lucilius,  as  with  a  drawn  sword  in  hand,  roused  himself  into  ardent 
indignation."  y"'*'-  ^^''-'^-  '• 

PAGE  329. 

"  We  only  touch  slightly  on  the  various  kinds  of  books  ;  it  is  not  our 
business  to  digest  whole  librarie?.  ®i,ilnt!l.  1.  10.  c.  i. 

"  The  child,  with  a  cry,  shrunk  back  into  the  bosom  of  his  nurse." 

Horn.  II.  6. 

"  He  made  three  steps  as  he  marched  along;  at  the  fourth  he  reached 
iEgx,  the  boundary  of  his  passage."  Eom.  II.  13. 

"  As  he  observed  the  plume  nodding  awfully  from  the  top  of  his  hel- 
snet."  Honi.  I!,  i. 

PAGE  330. 

"  Nor  has  the  shrine  of  Phoebus  deceived  me."  ^"'c?"'  ^'^"« 

"  He  dragged  head-long  into  the  deep  with  himself  the  rudder  (not 
torn  fromhimbut  voluntarily  abandoned)  whose  care  wascommitted  to  him, 
and  by  which  he  was  engaged  to  direct  the  vessel."  ^'^^^«  -^-'"»  (*' 


PAGE 


OJ-' 


"  Preserved  by  precautions  like  tliese,  even  under  such  an  administra- 
tion" Juv.  Sat.  4. 

*  The  modern  democratic  word  for  murdciiv.^  kings  and  prlcbt^;. 


[      473      ] 
PAGE  333. 


"  The  Deity,  in  infinite  space,  as  in  bis  own  scnsorium  lias  an  inti- 
mate perception  of  all  things."      Ni'ivton.  Princip.  Schol.  General,  subjin. 

PAGE  334. 
"  God  created  the  universe ;   Linnxus  disposed  it  in  order  1" 
"  Nature  stood  in  awful  apprehension,  looking  upon  the  God  who  alone 
rules  the  ckmentsl"  Stat.  Acbill.  ].  1.488. 

PAGE  335. 
"  We  will  not  suffer  the  laws  of  nature  to  be  changed." 

PAGE  336. 

''  They  are  seen  by  the  understanding."  St.  Paul. 

"  Tears  are  a  debt  due  to  human  misery,  and  the  woes  of  mortality 
affect  the  mind." 

PAGE  337. 

"  The  united  effulgence  of  numerous  collected  stars  shining  together." 
Plutarch,  de  Placitis  Philosophorum, 

PAGES   341  AND  342. 

"  We  have  given  this  narration,  to  the  intent  that  the  nature  of  God 
may  be  made  manifest  to  those  who  are  Ignorant  of  it,  how  various  it  is 
and  how  manifold;  that  all  events  come  to  pass  in  their  appointed  season, 
and  that  Hf.  declares  what  shall  be  hereafter.  We  have  related  these 
to  shew  the  ignorance  and  unbelief  of  men,  by  which  they  were  not  suf- 
fered to  foresee  any  part  of  these  events,  and  were  delivered  over  to  the 
calamities,  without  a  mode  or  possibility  of  escaping  them. 

Joseph,  Antiq.  Jud.  1.  10.  s.  3.  p.  499.  Ed.  Hudson.  Oxon. 

"  Thou  man  of  God,  faithful  minister  and  steward  of  the  mysteries 
of  God,  thou  man  of  the  desires  of  the  spirit,  1  call  upon  thee  as  a  pillar 
and  support  of  the  church,  holding  fast  the  vv'ord  of  life,  and  the  main- 
stay of  faith,  and  the  resting-place  of  the  spirit." 

Gregor.  Nazian%.  Orat,  p.  286.  Ed.  Prunxi  Par.  1609, 


[     474      ] 

PAGE  343. 

"  Like  Achilles  himself,  they  -wield  the  divine  armour." 

>r.  Sat.  S. 

PAGE  345. 

"  He  passeth  from  himself,  (a)  as  the  image  to  the  archetype,  being 
already  in  the  possession  or  enjoyment  cf  thq.  end  of  his  earthly  pilgrim- 
age;" Ploiont,  Enncad.  6.  lib.  9.  c.  xi. 

"  Such  is  the  life  of  gods,  and  of  godlilce,  happy,  highly  favoured 
men;  a  deliverance  and  separation  from  the  low  cares  of  mortality.  It 
is  a  life  Avhich  receives  not  its  pleasures  and  satisfaction  from  the  things  of 
this  world  ;  an  ascent  or  flight  of  the  soul,  which  is  one,  simple,  and  un- 
compoundedj  to  that  Being  who  is  One,  and  alone  in  an  eminent  and 
incommunicable  sense,  God  Himself!  (b) 

Flctini,  Ennsad.  6.  1.  g.  c.  xi. 

PAGE  346. 

"  The  -whole  company  of  the  Stars,  and  the  great  Sun  himself,  arc 
not  bodies  of  fire." 

Prodi  Comment,  in  Timaeum  Platonis,  p.  141,  Ed.  Basil.  1534. 
"  A  species  of  fire  accommcdated  to  tlie  nature  of  the  stars." 
Plciin.  Ennead.  2.  lib.  i.  p.  95.  Ed.  Basil,  cum  Ccmtnent.  Pacini. 

PAGE  347. 

"  Such  is  the  sacred  ofTering  of  the  Muses."  Hesiod.  Tbeogon. 

a  MiTcttiZyiKit  IX.  ra  Quvotra  ug  ttiV  ^6)-/\v.  Evang.  Johan.  "  He  is 
passed  from  death  to  life." 

b  The  language  of  Plotinus  in  these  passages  is  so  sublime,  and  full 
of  meaning,  that  without  a  paraphrase  it  is  absolutely  impossible  to  ex- 
press the  ideas  contained  in  them,  particularly  in  these  few  words,  "  <i>vyyt 
"  Moy»  5rp«;  MONON."  The  translator  feels  what  every  Greek  scholar 
will  experience  on  such  an  attempt.  It  is  sufficient  if  tlie  sublimity  of 
the  ideas  is  comprelicnded  by  the  reader. 


C      475      ] 

PAGE  348. 

"  I  would  £tile  this  work  the  gift  of  the  Muses."  Horat, 

PAGE  349. 

"  May  they  close  then-  labours  in  a  manner  worthy  of  the  character  of 
men  of  virtue,  and  suitable  to  their  consecKited  works." 

PAGE  350. 

"  I  have  a  message  full  of  sorrow  to  deliver  to  you ;  would  it  were 
not  sol — Achilles  is  no  more."  Horn.  II. 

"  But  even  in  death  he  was  not  left  unpraised  or  unsung:  for  the  vir- 
gins of  Helicon  enoirclcd  the  pile  and  tomb  of  the  hero,  and  chaunted 
their  memorial  dirge.  It  seemed  good  to  the  immortals,  that  so  great  a 
man  should  not  pass  from  the  world  -without  the  hymns  and  harmony  of 
the  Muses.  Find.  Isthm.  Od.  8. 

PAGE  351. 

"  His  reward  is  with  the  ?iost  High!" 

"  Fortunate  old  man,  favoured  of  heaven  1  Jov^  himself,  and  Apollo, 
and  the  God  of  eloquence  must  have  shed  their  mildest  influence  on  your 
birth;  for  no  man  can  be  the  friend  of  a  great  Poet,  who  is  not  himself 
dear  to  the  immortals.  Favoured  thus,  you  enjoy  a  green  and  flowering 
old  age.  The  honours  of  your  brow  are  preserved ;  your  understanding 
is  vigorous,  and  your  mind  in  full  possession  of  its  adult  faculties.  In 
the  name  therefore  of  Clio,  and  of  the  mighty  Phoebus,  all  hail,  thou 
venerable  Mansus,  hail  for  ages  vet  to  cornel        3Iilton  ad  Mansum. 

"  A  faithful  friend  «o  so  great  a  man;  and  a  steady  admirer  of  such 
distinguished  excellence." 

PAGE  354. 

''  May  he  add  to  the  glories  of  this  our  agel" 

PAGE  357. 

"  Nature  creates  and  produces,  at  one  and  the  same  time,  the  rudi- 
tnents,  and  principles  of  the  -whole  body,  and  of  every  component  part." 

Bacon,  dc  Augm.  Sc, 


[     476      ] 

"  The  Cretan  Rhndamanthus  sways  over  these  realm?;  of  unrelenting 
severity."  ^''>'g'  -^"'  6. 

PAGE  358. 

"  One  deep  caileth  upon  another." 

"  The  sound  of  the  storm,  rushing  witli  a  mighty  noise  from  tlic  con- 
flicting clouds,  roared  with  a  deep  intonation." 

Nonni  Dio7iys.  1.  41.  v.  84. 

"  A  sharp-edged  sword  pierceth  through  my  soul." 
"  The  true  goods  of  this  life,  and  those  which  are  found  to  be  essen- 
tially different,  when  the  mist  of  error  is  dispersed."  'Juv.  Sat.  lo. 

PAGE  360. 

"  It  is  man:  the  name  will  explain,  or  excuse  the  rest."     Mcnander. 

"  So  ferocious  and  infuriate  was  the  soul  of  Cacus.  He  left  not  a 
species  of  crime,  Avickedness,  treachery  or  fraud,  unattempted  or  un- 
tried." Virg.  ^n.  8. 

PAGE  361. 

"  Opportunity  is  instant;  experiment  is  hazardous." 
"  Whatever  they  tliink  proper,  they  declare  to  be  national  property  ; 
and  what  tliey  decree  to  be  so,  they  expose  to  public  sale." 

Cicero  Orat  de  Lege  Agraria. 

*'  It  cannot  be  determined,  wliether  their  severity  is  more  grievous,  or 
their  alliance  and  favour  more  expensive  to  the  objects  of  it." 

Cic.  lit  sup. 

"  I  am  not  of  the  number  of  those  men  who  are  perpetually  troubling 
and  disturbing  you;  I  hold  not  any  office  of  trust,  or  of  administration 
in  the  State.  I  therefore  come  forward  with  confidence,  and  denounce 
transactions  and  crimes  like  these." 

KxTu,  Aptirrox.Dy.riii-,  Deniost.  Op.  Gr.  Ed.  Bencn.  i>70. 

"  I  would  not  allow  the  admission  of  a  trivial  ti  utb  in  the  decrees  of 
council,  or  a  clearness  which  is  too  easy  and  familiar.  I  choose  to  have  a 
subtle  kind  of  truth,  an  elegent  perspicuity,  a  natural  manner  but  not 


C      477      ] 

•wholly  without  art,  set  off  with  words  of  pomp,  unexpectedly  raised 
with  a  roundness  of  phraseology,  with  intermediatt:  vocatives,  and  indefi- 
nite adverbs."  D'AIcmbert  Lett.  Hist,  et  Jolit.  vol.  4-  p.  176. 

PAGE  363. 

"  A  treatise  concerning  Zoology." 

"  Oh,  if  yon  did  but  understand  Greek! — They  who  understand,  ok 
think  they  understand  Hebrew,  Arabic,  Syriac,  Coptic,  Persian,  or  Chi- 
nese, think  and  speak  in  the  same  manner,  and  for  the  same  reasons." 

D' Alembert  Melang.  de  Literat.  et  de   Pbilos.  v.  5.  p.  526. 

"  The  science  of  politics  is  the  supreme  and  master  founder  of  the 
rest.  It  is  her  province  to  declare  and  ordain  what  sciences  shall  be  culti- 
vated in  States,  which  of  them  is  proper  for  each  person,  and  to  what  point, 
and  how  far. — We  see  already  some  of  the  most  respectable  powers  ben- 
ding under  her  dominion."  Aristot,  Ethic,  Nicbom,  1.  4.  c.  2. 

"  I  want  fifty  pieces  of  gold;  I  do  not  want  letters.  If  you  love  me, 
give  me  money." 

"  Alcipbron.  1.  i.  ep.  40.  Ed.  Bergleri.  1791.  p.  61. 

PAGE  364. 
"  All  the  ancients  were  very  careful  not  to  use  words  of  an  inau- 
spicious sound,  and  In  particular,  th.e  Athenians.  They  therefore  did  not 
call  the  Prison,  the  Executioner,  or  the  Furies,  by  their  direct  appellations, 
but  by  softer  terms*,  such  as  a  Mansion,  a  public  minister,  the  venerabl? 
Goddesses,  &c.  £cc.  &c. 
Hclladius  Besantinous  apud  Phatii  Biblioth.  sect,  279.  p.  1563.  Ed.  1653. 

PAGE  365. 
"  The  statues,  and  the  couches  of  the  deities  and  every  spot  which  they 
had  honoured  with  their  pi-esence  and  favour  are  yet  shewn." 

Stat,  Achill.  1.  I. 

PAGE  366. 

"  Instead  of  giving  a  plain,  open  avowal  of  their  opinions,  they  have 
recourse  to  sophisms,  and  glosses,  and  exceptions,  and  (demurring J  dec- 

*  The  synonlraous  words  will  hardly  bear  a  translation. 


[      478      ] 


larations.  Such  is  their  character;  men  without  virtue,  principle,  or  jus- 
tice. 

Demostb.  Or  at,  Ufog  Axk^ith  nap«7p«!p))v.   Demosth,  Ed.  Benen,  1570. 

p.  546. 

"He  found  it  of  gold;  he  left  it  of  paper." 

PAGE  368. 

"The  times  demand  not  txkibitmis  such  as  these." 

Virg.  &n.  6. 

PAGE  369 

"  I  will  not  be  torn  away  from  thee,  0  Rome,  O  my  Country,  till  I 
embrace  thee  in  thy  last  agony.  Thy  name  also.  Liberty,  will  I  vene- 
rate and  cherish;  and  will  follow  after  thy  very  shadow,  when  it  can  avail 
no  more."  Lucan,  1.  2. 

END   OF   THE   LAST  DIALOGUE. 


THE  PREFATORY  EPISTLE. 

MOTTO  TO  THE  TITLE-PAGE. 

PAGE  373. 

*<  THIS  is  the  season  for  the  right  understanding  of  the  subject  whicl-. 
is  before  us.  I,  as  a  private  man  sent  forth,  in  some  measure,  in  the 
public  service,  will  speak  the  truth;  while  I  am  declaring  to  you  the 
■whole  political  or  sacred  counsel  and  wisdom  of  our  ancestors,  and  all 
their  heroic  virtues  displayed  in  war."  Find.  Olymp.  O.  13. 

PAGE  375. 

"  After  many  years  of  inactivity,  roused,  as  it  were,  out  of  a  long 
slumber,  the  Muse  (of  BritaiTi)  wakes  and  expatiates  among  the  Roman 
choirs.  But  her  compositions  are  subjected  to  a  more  severe  censure,  in 
proportion  to  their  relebritv   and  general  attention  they  have  excited. 


[     479      ] 

The  merit  however  of  the  cause  itfelf,  and  of  the  warfare  in  which  she 
is  engaged,  joined  to  the  predilection  for  Stiiicbo,  ensures  the  affection 
and  favour  of  the  nation." 

PAGE  377. 
"  It  is  not  adviseable,  after  the  example  of  many  Commentators,  to 
treat  these  topics  in  a  dry  and  barren  manner,  or  to  leave  them  wholly 
untouched;  nor  like  others,  to  introduce  a  mere  babble  of  words,  and 
endless  disquisition.  But  it  is  necessary  to  set  the  whole  composition 
fairly  before  the  reader ;  and  to  place  in  a  clear  point  of  view,  to  those 
persons  wlio  have  leisure,  the  full  subject  of  it.  To  consider  and  investi- 
gate the  species,  the  matter,  the  principles,  taken  together,  and  the 
great  purpose  which  pervades  the  whole.  By  this  method  the  complete 
desij^n,  scope,  and  intent  of  the  Dialogues  may  be  made  manifest  to 
those  who  will  attend  to  it."  Ex  procli  Commentariis  in  PlatorJs 

IIoXtTitxv.  edit.  Gr.  Basil.  1534.  page  349. 

PAGE  379. 

"  Not  to  mistake  what  is  unknown  for  what  is  known." 

Cicero  de  Offic,  1.  i. 

PAGE  390. 
"  He  delights  in  v/hat  is  strange  or  monstrous,  and  in  all  the  tumult 
and  confusion  of  the  mind."  Lucan. 

PAGE  395. 

"  Athens  looked  with  astonishment  at  the  torrent  of  their  eloquence, 
while  they  wielded  at  will  the  passions  of  the  full  assembly." 

Juvenal.  Sat,  10. 

PAGE  396. 

"  Let  us  weigh  Hannibal."  Juvenal.  Sat.  10. 

PAGE  398. 
"  The  retreats  and  skulking  places  of  their  accumulated  crimes  are 
destroyed:  the  guilty  nation  has  no  longer  any  plea  left.  They  know 
their  own."  Lucan.  1.  4.  v.  192. 

3P 


[      480      ] 

"PAGE  400. 

"  He  complained  deeply  for  the  sake  of  the  State ;  of  the  man  himself 
he  said  nothing.'*  Cicero. 

PAGE  402. 

"  He  could,  with  equal  skill,  pretend  not  to  be,  what  he  was ;  and  to 
be,  what  he  was  not."  Sallust,  B.  Catil. 

PAGE  404. 

"  When  any  thing  is  prohibited  to  be  done ;  whatever  tends  or  leads  to 
it,  as  the  means  of  compassing  it,  is  forbidden  at  the  same  time." 

PAGE  405. 

"  Do  you  conceive  that  dust  and  ashes,  or  the  burled  Manes  can  have 
any  concern  for  this?"  Virg,  iEn.  4. 

PAGE  408. 

"  There  is  a  particular  tree,  which  grows  in  the  great  mountains  of 
Helicon,  whose  scent  is  able  to  destroy  the  life  of  man." 

Lucret.  1.  6.  v.  786. 

PAGE   410. 

"  His  Instructors  are  indeed  enviable,  who  at  such  a  considerable  ex- 
pense, taught  him  to  be  so  foolish."  Cicero. 

PAGE  412. 
"  He  has  filled  up  the  measure  of  mortality."  Tacit.  A.  3. 

PAGE  413- 

"  They  rise  up  lusty  and  vigorous,  for  Nature  is  working  at  the  root, 
and  the  soil  is  wholesome."  Vi^'g'  G.  2. 

PAGE  414. 

**  He  closed  the  temple  of  Janus,  established  a  just  order,  and  curbed 
the  licentiousness  of  the  time.  He  removed  the  causes  of  offence,  and 
called  back  the  ancient  arts  which  had  disappeared.  Jior* 


[     481      ] 

"  The  man  who,  from  his  real  or  supposed  merit,  is  hated  by  his  con- 
temporaries, becomes  an  object  of  affection,  when  he  is  no  more. 

Hor.  Ep,  ad  August. 

PAGE  421. 

"  His  Manes  rested  not  under  the  embers  of  that  pile ;  nor  could  the 
sprinkling  of  a  few  insignificant  ashes  quench  the  ardour  of  a  spirit 
like  his."  Luc.  1.  9. 

"  She  hath  derived  her  origin,  and  the  spring  of  aciion  from  the 
regions  above."  yi;'u.  Sat.  15. 

PAGE  422. 

"  She  (a)  is  an  object  of  terror  and  dismay  to  all  the  living;  and  she 
claims  the  inheritance  of  those  who  are  ready  to  perish.  With  her  there 
is  no  pause.  When  plunder  ceases,  lust  awakes  and  rages:  the  rich 
tremble  by  day,  and  the  married,  by  night.  At  her  nod  Satellites,  with 
their  swords  unsheathed,  start  forth  prepared  for  action. 

"  She  (a)  requires  in  her  service  the  spirits  of  the  cruel  and  of  the 
brave.  She  herself  creates  them.  She  finds  her  account  in  death  imder 
f  very  form."  Luc.  1.  6. 

PAGE  424. 

"  The  fates  and  fortunes  of  all  around  totter  and  shake,  if  you  at- 
tempt to  change  what  exists.  The  whole  human  race  stands  or  falls  in 
the  issue  of  this  one  conflict!"  Lucan. 

a      Applied  to  the  Republic  of  France. 


THE    END, 


BOOKS 

Publlfhed    by    JOSEPH    NANCREDE, 

No.  49,  Marlborough  Street,   BosTO>r. 

The  studies  of  nature,  tranflated  from  the 

French  of  J.  H.  B.  de  St.  Pierre,  by  H.  Hunter,  D.D.  3  vols.  8vo.  fine  wove 
paper,  embellifhed  with  plates. 

,*,  This  "Virry  ingenious,  intercjling  and  InJlTuPAve  -work  has,  ftncc  Its  firjl  publication, 
gone  through  four  fucccjjlve  imprefflons,  under  the  author's  immediate  infpeBion  ;  bef.des  a  -variety 
of  pirated  ediiiom  in  different  parts  of  the  European  continent. 

"No  book  difplcys  a  more  fitblime  Theology  ;  indicates  a  purer  morality,  or  breathes  a  more 
ardfnt  and  e>.parfive  philanthropy.  St.  Pierre  has  enabled  us  to  contemplate  this  uni-jerfe 
•with  other  eyes  ;  has  furnijhed neiv  arguments  to  COMBAT  ATHEISM  ;  has  epablifhed,  beyond 
the  po-juer  of  contradiction,  the  doBrine  of  a  Univerfal  Pro'vidence  ;  has  e.'.cittd  a  ivarmer  in- 
ierefl  in  fai'oiir  of fuffering  humanity,  and  has  difcovered  fources  unkno-wu  before  of  moral  ar.J 
intellefiual  enjoyment." 

THE   NAVAL    GAZETTEER  ;   being   a   complete 

Geographical  Diiflionary,  containicg  a  full  and  accurate  account,  alphabetically  ar- 
ranged, of  all  the  Countries  and  lilands  in  the  known  world  ;  fhowing  their  latitude, 
foundings,  and  ftations  for  anchorage;  with  a  particular  defcription  of  the  feveral 
Bays,  Capes,  Channels,  Coiies,  Creeks,  Currents,  Gulfs,  Harbours,  Ha-jer.s,  Lakes,  Oceans-, 
Races,  Rfoei  s.  Roads,  Rods,  Sands,  Shoals,  Sounds,  Strait',  Tides,  fariafion  of  the  Compafs. 
Sec.  Together  with  a  particular  relation  of  the  fhape  and  appearance  at  fea,  of  the 
feveral  Head'and:,  Jfbmufes,  Penitfilas,  Points,  ProTri',;:tories,  and  whatever  is  of  ufe  or 
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navigating  the  watry  element. 

Alfa  comprehending 

Ample  directions  for  failing  into  or  out  of  the  different 

Ports,  Straits,  and  Harbours  of  the  four  quarters  of  the  world ;  and  for  avoiding- 
dangers  on  the  various  and  extended  coafts  ;  in  which  more  than  twelve  thoufand 
diftin(ft  names  of  places,  &c.  arc  treated  of  and  explained.  With  a  corredt  fet  cf 
Charts,  a  vols.  8vo. 

By  the  Rev.  John  Malham. 

^*  ^    This  has  been  pronounced  the  mijl  ufeful  and  the  ckeapejl  book  pubVifhed  tn   America^ 

A  VINDICATION   OF    DIVINE   PROVIDENCE, 

diri-ved  from  a  philofophical  and  moral  fart'ey  of  nature  and  of  man.  By  the  Author  of 
Studies  of  Nature.    2  vols.  8vo.  with  plates. 

The  fame  Work  abridged,  in  i  vol.  8vo.  plates. 

BOTANICAL   HARMONY  DELINEATED  ;    or. 

Applications  of  fome  general  Laws  of  Nature,  to  Plants ;  by  the  Author  of  Studies 
of  Nature,  with  three  botanical  plates,  elegantly  engraved,  I  vol.  8vo. 

PAUL  AND  VIRGINIA  ;    a  fentimental  Narration, 

founded  on  faift ;  by  J.  H.  B.  de  St.  Pierre,  in  a  fmall  pocket  vols.  French  and 
Englifti,  v.'ith  cuts. 

The  fame  work  in  i  vol.  wholly  Engllfh,  fame  plates. 

The  fame  in  French,  lame  plates. 

A  NEW  STANDARD  OF  FRENCH  PRONUNCI- 

ATION,  wherein  the  founds  of  French  are  faithfully  indicated  by  typographical 
Ugns,  in  fo  diftin<3:  a  manner,  as  to  render  the  att-ainment  of  French  pronunciation 
equally  eafy  and  accurate. 

»*,  This  Di8':o»ary  is  to  Frenchmen  ivhat  PerRT,  ShERIDAN  <7«</WaI.KER  are  t» 
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I 


